Celebrating Catherine's Life

Catherine was diagnosed with Lupus at a young age and often said it would be her end. She lived her life defying her doctors and the odds, until the early morning of September 1st, when she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Catherine had not been feeling well and secluded herself in her room, as she often did when feeling ill. When she didn't come down to eat or refill her water, family members checked on her and discovered she had passed away in the night.

After her daughter Celine was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, Catherine moved to LA to and then to San Jose to care for her through her final days. When Celine passed in late 2019, Catherine made the choice to stay San Jose where she spent the final 4 years of her life seeing her children and grandchildren on a daily basis, hosting family get togethers, baking and spending time with family.

Catherine was a passionate defender of causes close to her heart, a creative and charismatic people person, and often a stubborn contrarian. She made bold choices, blazed trails, and bucked the status quo in ways that made others uncomfortable. She was a disruptor and revolutionary at heart. She was an ardent hippie, an early proponent of cannabis reform and spiritual pluralism, and never met a community she didn't want to join.

She loved old movies, had diverse taste in music, and loved to laugh. She was never ambitious, herself, but loved to talk about big ideas and encourage others to dream bigger and go for them. She loved to read about spirituality and self-development and to share her insights with her family and friends.

Catherine will be remembered by most for her warmth. She met people with a deep empathy that made them feel seen and special. Her greatest pride was her children and her greatest joy was her grandchildren, which was clear to anyone who knew her.

She was also in a lot of pain. She battled mental and physical health issues her entire life. She both endured and conferred many abuses as she struggled to process and overcome the many traumas of her life.

If you ever had a moment with her where you made her feel safe, accepted, or valued, even for a moment, know that it was far more meaningful to her than you know.

Her suffering is over now. We love you mom. Thank you for giving us life and each other. We're glad you're finally at peace.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Celine, her grandson Alec, her brother Bill, and her parents Bill and Jean. She is survived by her 7 children, 14 grandchildren (with 2 more on the way), and 3 great grandchildren.

We will be celebrating Catherine's life on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2pm at

Willow Glen Funeral Home

1039 Lincoln Ave, San Jose,

CA 95125