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Catherine MUNSON Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Catherine MUNSON
Sponsored by Martin Graafland and David DiBernardo.
John Runningen
February 28, 2019
Catherine was one of my best friends and my "Madrina" (Best Woman vs. Best man (Unique, I know) when Jane and I were married in 2009. She was a mentor and a confidant who is missed. Can't believe it has been five years since she left us. You continue to live on in our hearts Catherine.
john Lovrien
June 26, 2018
I was young, 16 years or so, I knew Lisa Munson through a group of friends, I was a Terra Linda boy who spent my time playing in a band that rehearsed at the Lucas Valley Rec center. I met on several occasions Mrs' Munson, Lisa's Mom. I remember a very soft spoken kind woman. She impressed me with her graciousness and professional posture, Very nice. Im sorry to hear of her passing & My condolences to the family. I somehow stumbled upon this while researching Eichler Homes
February 22, 2015
Learning of Catherine's passing this month took my breath away. Her bright light and graciousness, her many kindnesses to members of my family... What a wonderful heart and mind you have shared with so many, Catherine. My mother who loved and admired her, and who struggles now to hold a thought, put it plainly, "Catherine was truly one of the good ones."
Rob Hoover
Kees, Catherine, David Munson, Ruud, Martin and Matt
Martin Graafland
October 23, 2014
June 6, 2014
I am very touched and sorry to learn about Catherine Munson's passing. We met in the fall of last year and spent a wonderful afternoon together - sharing our love of post-WWII modern architecture and personal experiences as well. There and in follow up correspondence she came across as an enlightened, fun, and compassionate woman. I was hoping to come back to California later this year and see her again.
To her daughters and their families all the best.
Margret Kentgens-Craig
Peter Farrell
April 9, 2014
Catherine will for ever hold a spot in my heart. I work at a few different restaurants and have had the pleasure of waiting on Catherine numerous times. She was always kind and caring. It was a pleasure to get to know her. :-)
Kim Harmon
March 30, 2014
Lisa, Shelley, Adrienne and families
My heart goes out to you.
My parents bought an Eichler from your mother
They loved their home
I share with you growing up in Lucas Valley, living in a glass house
those hills, the oaks a backdrop to childhood
Miller Creek meandering
waking to the thwack of tennis balls
or cows mooing in the morning
falling asleep to peacocks screeching at night
or the comforting patter of rain on the roof
what would life be like without Lucas Valley memories?
what would Marin be like without Catherine Munson?
wherever I go, it will always be with me
wherever you go, she will always be with you
John Conway
March 29, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Shelley, Lisa and Adrienne. Your Mom has been a friend since meeting through Alan Rosenberg 35 years ago. Whether it involved buying or selling a property, which was always an education, to sharing a diner, Catherine was always gracious, offering wise counseling, sharing a laugh and always a friend.
Catherine loved her roses too!
Martin Graafland
March 28, 2014
During the celebration of Catharine's live I recorded a few speakers. Underneath you can click on the links to see the various recordings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbgcmxikJi8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnurNZbErww
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5o2M25AD-k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbgcmxikJi8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCA18iOVku0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpKCSTpMD_0&list=UU958OpIpm0z_AYQNpV1KbKQ
Steve and Carmen Abedon
March 27, 2014
Catherine was an amazing presence in our neighborhood and lives. She sold us our home in Lucas Valley and we celebrated our wedding in her home. She was a woman who opened her heart and home to the community and will be deeply missed. We are so lucky to have had the pleasure to have known her.
Carmen and I loved Catherine. Her generosity and openness, hosting our wedding at her home, treating us as one would be lucky to be treated by a loving parent. She shared herself and opened her home. We knew her for only a short time, but in that time became an inspiration, in so many ways. All of us who were fortunate enough to know her, will carry her positive influence, her love, with us through our lives.
Carmen Dett and Steve Abedon
Cristy Egan
March 25, 2014
Catherine was my mentor when I began in real estate, and later in life was a friend who gave me confidence simply by believing in me. She had a special light, and when it shone on you, you felt you could do anything, and would do anything not to disappoint her. Such a strong, confident, intelligent, adventurous, and gracious woman is rare in this world. An effortless leader, she had followers wherever she went, because she always had the best idea of what to do, and it got done. She was a maternal version of a king, or a general. My favorite memory was spending a week with her in Colima MX. What great fun! Her wonderful laugh lives in my memory. My heart goes out to Shelley and Sean, Adrienne, Lisa, Terry and Gary, to her many close friends, and to the gals at LVP.
March 21, 2014
Catherine was the first person we met when we arrived in Marin in 1992. She helped us get settled in Marin (in an Eichler of course) & became a lifelong friend of our Family. We will miss her dearly.
The Ayoob Family
March 16, 2014
Shelley, Adrienne, Lisa, Terry, and Randy - A lovely light has gone out and we are very sad, indeed, but grateful to have enjoyed her company and friendship for many years. Will always remember seeing her last August in San Francisco and most grateful that I was able to.
With loving wishes -
Debbie Dunn Lammers (Pattie's sister)
Kristen Carley
March 13, 2014
Aunt Catherine was very loved. She shared stories here and there about my grandmother who passed away when my dad was 5. I'll treasure her as she did us and will always remember the love and warmth she offered to everyone.
Mary Stumpo
March 13, 2014
Catherine helped me buy my first home..an Eichler. She knew what she was talking about!! Then she helped me sell it and buy my next home. That's what she was like. A member of the family. Someone who would care and guide. Someone you go to and trust. It's hard to believe such a strong soul has left us. My thoughts are with her family. God bless you Catherine.
Kathryn. Ann Heily
March 12, 2014
What a Gal.
Catherine and Floyd, happy together!
March 12, 2014
loved nephews and daughter..
March 12, 2014
How Glamorous. Catherine at her home with Ruud and Kees from Amsterdam
March 11, 2014
March 11, 2014
My sisters Shelley, Adrienne, and I sincerely thank everyone who took the time to post such loving and heart-felt tributes to Mom.
She genuinely felt the same about each and everyone of you, whether you are family or brand new friends. That's one of the incredibly special things about her - she cherished each and every relationship she had, individually. I'm sure she's seen every message here and they've all made her smile with joy and gratitude.
With love,
Lisa Munson
Virginia Brunini
March 11, 2014
It's hard for me to realize this beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent Catherine is now with us in memory only.
She was the star in our real estate galaxy - smart, very good counsellor, sharing her knowledge where it helped. The very epitome of the best in real estate - and successful living. She will be sorely missed by everyone lucky enough to have known her.
Catherine's loved to grow roses. She was a champion in that too!
Martin Graafland
March 10, 2014
Catherine during David and Martin's wedding, San Francisco city hall, September 17, 2013
Martin and David Graafland and Dibernardo
March 10, 2014
John and Jane Runningen
March 10, 2014
Our hearts go out to Catherine's daughters, Lisa, Shelley and Adrienne and to her grandson Sean. We know what a great loss this has been for all of you and your families. Like you, we will treasure the many wonderful memories we shared with Catherine on our many adventures. Each one was incredibly special. She encouraged all of us to embrace life and enjoy each day to the fullest. We will try to do that in the future, but without Catherine's boundless enthusiasm and encouragement it won't be as easy. We will miss her terribly because we loved her so much.
After Nicole's Wedding in New Orleans
John Runningen
March 10, 2014
Lorna Sturgeon
March 10, 2014
Elegant, stylish, classy and gracious are the words that come to mind when I think of Catherine Munson. I only knew Catherine from frequent encounters over the years at McInnis restaurant or at the hairdressers that we shared! We always exchanged complimentary conversation and I always came away thinking "what a wonderful woman". My condolences to the family
March 9, 2014
Please accept our condolences at this unhappy time. Joanne Dolan and family--former neighbors in Lucas Valley (Oak Mountain Drive)
March 9, 2014
Catherine Musnon and nephew Benjamin Munson in Catherine's home 1990
March 9, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your families. Wonderful memories of a beautiful day spent together.
Dennis and Vicki Bosch
Edwin Oostmeijer
March 9, 2014
Heaven Can Wait! That was what I thought when I took another group op Dutch architects to Catherine Munson's Eichler home in Lucas Valley. I cherish the wonderful and sunny afternoons in her garden. Catherine was a generous host. A uniter amongst her neighbours. Sparkling and sturdy, wise and witty. 'I have been re doing my landscaping from front to rear,' as Catherine wrote me in December. 'You will LOVE it next fall when you are here!' Heaven Could and Should have waited years and years to come Catherine. You'll be sourly missed! Your spirit and energy will be an inspiration to us all!
Claudette Ferriter
March 8, 2014
Such a lovely and gracious lady. She will be sadly missed by the community and of course, us as individuals
March 8, 2014
A formidable woman of sytle and intelligence. I wish i had met her sooner..
March 8, 2014
I will always cherish the memories I have with Catherine and the girls. She always made me feel a part of the family. I will miss her.
Bruce Carpenter
Frank Vacanti
March 8, 2014
It was always comforting to know Catherine was among us. She was a loving example of what Marin County was, is and should be. A mentor and a true inspiration to all of us who knew and loved her.
You are Irreplaceable, and conspicuous in your absence.
Kathy
March 8, 2014
I did not know your Mom, but I saw "served and helped thousands" and that statement made me think of a wonderful person leaving the earth. I may I known and worked with your Dad Bill. I am sorry for your loss, and it sounds as though you had a beautiful Mom.
March 8, 2014
IN MEMORIAM CATHERINE MUNSON
The first time we met Catherine because she invited us at the traditional Christmas dinner in her Eichler home in Mt Susitna Court in San Rafael. We were impressed not only by the house and her art collection but above all by her brightness and hospitality. She made you feel one of the family.
What an authentic and original woman...
We knew her as aunt Catherine, the aunt of Ben Munson, in those days life companion of our friend Martin Graafland.
Catherine was very supportive for the both of them. There was no question about.
Every time we visited Martin and Ben, we also visited Catherine. She was always interested in European developments and especially in the Netherlands, the country of Mondriaan and other artist who favored clearness and simplicity like Eichler did. She was a passionate ambassador for Eichler homes and modern American architecture in general. So there was a common interest.
After Ben's death we mourned together at Ben's memorial bench in a little park in Marin.
When David appeared into the life of Martin he was also warmly welcomed at family dinners and the annual Christmas event. He became a member of the family of which Catherine was the alma mater.
Our last Christmas dinner together took place three years ago. And again Catherine was the bright and brilliant person she always has been.
We feel privileged having known her.
We wish Lisa, Shelley and Adrienne and their families the fortitude to bear this sad loss.
We will remember Catherine as a generous and dedicated woman.
Kees Roza and Ruud Bleijerveld
Amsterdam/The Netherlands.
March 7, 2014
My mom Sally Ryan deceased now knew Catherine and I knew her daughter Shelly and Shellys son Sean. I am sending prayers to all of you in this time. Mary (Lundquist) Pareisa
Natalie Salasky
March 7, 2014
Auntie Catherine you will be missed...We were so fortunate to have had such a wonderful and caring Aunt in our lives....Your smile lite up the room. Love Natalie, Craig, Kyle and Bryce
Annette DeAgero
March 7, 2014
Catherine was such a gracious woman, I'm so lucky to have known her.
Melanie Budiman
March 7, 2014
I was very fortunate to have a chance to meet and talk to her in January 2014. She was a guest at our retreat and I really admired her positive, enthusiastic and vibrant presense. She was truly a remarkable woman!
March 7, 2014
The first time we met Catherine because she invited us at the traditional Christmas dinner in her Eichler home in Mt Susitna Court in San Rafael. We were impressed not only by the house and her art collection but above all by her brightness and hospitality. She made you feel one of the family.
What an authentic and original woman...
We knew her as aunt Catherine, the aunt of Ben Munson, in those days life companion of our friend Martin Graafland.
Catherine was very supportive for the both of them. There was no question about.
Every time we visited Martin and Ben, we also visited Catherine. She was always interested in European developments and especially in the Netherlands, the country of Mondriaan and other artist who favored clearness and simplicity like Eichler did. She was a passionate ambassador for Eichler homes and modern American architecture in general. So there was a common interest.
After Ben's death we mourned together at Ben's memorial bench in a little park in Marin.
When David appeared into the life of Martin he was also warmly welcomed at family dinners and the annual Christmas event. He became a member of the family of which Catherine was the alma mater.
Our last Christmas dinner together took place three years ago. And again Catherine was the bright and brilliant person she always has been.
We feel privileged having known her.
We wish Lisa, Shelley and Adrienne and their families the fortitude to bear this sad loss.
We will remember Catherine as a generous and dedicated woman.
Kees Roza and Ruud Bleijerveld
Amsterdam/The Netherlands.
March 7, 2014
The first time we met Catherine because she invited us at the traditional Christmas dinner in her Eichler home in Mt Susitna Court in San Rafael. We were impressed not only by the house and her art collection but above all by her brightness and hospitality. She made you feel one of the family.
What an authentic and original woman...
We knew her as aunt Catherine, the aunt of Ben Munson, in those days life companion of our friend Martin Graafland.
Catherine was very supportive for the both of them. There was no question about.
Every time we visited Martin and Ben, we also visited Catherine. She was always interested in European developments and especially in the Netherlands, the country of Mondriaan and other artist who favored clearness and simplicity like Eichler did. She was a passionate ambassador for Eichler homes and modern American architecture in general. So there was a common interest.
After Ben's death we mourned together at Ben's memorial bench in a little park in Marin.
When David appeared into the life of Martin he was also warmly welcomed at family dinners and the annual Christmas event. He became a member of the family of which Catherine was the alma mater.
Our last Christmas dinner together took place three years ago. And again Catherine was the bright and brilliant person she always has been.
We feel privileged having known her.
We wish Lisa, Shelley and Adrienne and their families the fortitude to bear this sad loss.
We will remember Catherine as a generous and dedicated woman.
Kees Roza and Ruud Bleijerveld
Amsterdam/The Netherlands.
Mary E. Singler
March 7, 2014
It is very sad to hear that Catherine has left us. What a class act she was and memorable for so many reasons. I met Catherine more than 25 years ago through the Lucas Valley Swim Team. If Catherine wasn't traveling, we could always count on her to attend and support the LVST auction. Over time, I learned that her support spread across the entire county, from the Marin Symphony to the Buck Institute. As a Realtor, she was just as generous, graciously sharing her business acumen. In fact, in my Real Estate class at the College of Marin, she took the time to speak to the students and welcomed us into the industry. I feel honored and grateful to have known Catherine, both personally and professionally. We have lost one amazing woman and role model.
You'll be always in our hearts.
March 7, 2014
We will miss you dearly Catherine. Martin and DAvid
Jeanne Carley
March 7, 2014
Aunt Catherine was the glue of our extended family and friends. Every Christmas day for as long as I can remember she hosted a get together that brought all of the Munson/Carley clan together as well as many friends of the family. She was a unifier, a friend, a source of strength to many. She will be missed very much by all who knew her.
Randy Sthymmel
March 7, 2014
Catherine was a loving mentor,friend,
golf buddy,and stepmother to me. Thanks
Catherine for all you did for me and my family. Randy Sthymmel
Ray Moore
March 7, 2014
We will miss your wisdom, charm and grace.
Boo Boero
March 7, 2014
Such a classy, intellectual, caring person you were, Catherine. You made everyone feel special! I feel so honored to have known you and to have just seen you two weeks ago where you spoke so eloquently about your friend. You left an indelible impression on Marin County and everyone in your life. Rest in Peace!
Joe Fitzpatrick
March 7, 2014
I've been privileged to have known my dear friend, and mentor, CHM, for over 45 years. I've never known anyone that I respected more, and through her influence, I am what I am, today. I shall miss her, greatly.
My heartfelt condolences, to the girls, Lisa, Shelley, and Adrienne.
Raymond Moore
March 7, 2014
She will be missed locally and from afar. I know I am a better person by knowing her.
March 6, 2014
We thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Catherine on an around-the-world tour last year. What an inspiration to all of her fellow travelers - so knowledgable and so engaged!
Dick and Kit Doerr
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