Catherine was technically a business associate but realistically she had become a dear friend over the many years that we worked together. We took countless detours into our personal lives sharing life events, joys and challenges. She always spoke so proudly of Neal and a big grin came through the phone in her voice every time he entered our conversation. She was like a peacock, head held high, feathers strutted as she shared his accomplishments over the years and most recently his aspirations towards college and future plans.

Catherine believed in giving people second chances. She believed in not sweating the small stuff. She believed in living life outside the box. Catherine had a free spirit with a wonderful balance of candor and compassion, simplicity and proficiency, flippant of matters that didn’t matter and diligent of those that did. She had a generous heart while keeping life in perspective. She kept it real. She had a big and unforgettable personality, and I loved her candid attitude that was always mixed up with quick wit.

Catherine was a classic – unforgettable and forever a part of the lives that she touched. She was never in my head before, but I find that she is now, with her foot pressing on my shoulder saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, Kath.” Not sure if her foot is on my angel side or devil side but knowing her she’s probably right in the middle whispering in both ears just to keep me on my toes. This last Halloween she said she always wanted to be a pirate because she always wanted to be a bad girl but couldn’t because her character wouldn’t let her. I will miss her dearly. May her legacy of exemplary character and values instilled from her life into Neal be of forever comfort, strength and guidance for him. May her impact upon Paul and upon the rest of us be a torch that we pick up and carry forward to others in her honor. RIP my dear friend. We certainly enjoyed you while you were here. The world is a better place because you were in it.

She will be missed greatly , my dear father and I talked about her and Paul and Neil he talked about how proud he was of Paul over all his children and what a great man husband and dad he had become, and then he said Paul had a great smart , strong, decaded wife and mother, how kind and thoughtful she always had been to him and how he loved her as a daughter, and how thankful he was that Paul and Neil had her. She always said to me dont sweat the little stuff. I love and miss ya , your friend .