Catherine Marie Kennedy

1961 - 2017

Catherine Marie Kennedy December 9, 1961 - March 7, 2017 Escondido Catherine Marie Kennedy was killed by a stray bullet in a gang shooting on her way home from a Penance Service at St. Timothy's in Escondido. Catherine was eldest of the five children of Marcelo A. and Maria A. Mendoza of Hacienda Heights, CA. She attended Bishop Amat High School and graduated from USC Dental School as a hygienist. She worked many years on the team of Dr. Joseph Holtz, later Brilliant Dental. She forged strong friendships with her co-workers and patients. Cathy was a loving mother to Alicia, the daughter of her first marriage and saw her through college and the start of adult life. But it is as a woman of faith that Cathy will most be remembered. She spent countless hours in service to her beloved Church of St. Timothy, initiating programs such as VBS and young adult ministry. She organized the annual Baccalaureate Brunch for high-schoolers, was a member of the Vital team, small church groups and charismatic prayer group. She helped lead a group to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. Cathy met her husband, Kevin, at St. Tim's where he is on the staff and they married in 2014. They shared numerous adventures in their short time together. Cathy had learned to ride motorcycle and they took a memorable trip to Yosemite and the Sierras. Cathy also enjoyed hiking, tennis, sailing and, most recently, pickleball. She was an excellent seamstress and an avid gardener. She was a totally beautiful person and many have been touched by her gentle, strong presence and feel loss in her tragic, senseless death. She is survived by her parents, her daughter Alicia dela Rosa, her husband, her sisters Debra Ware and Michelle Navarro and her brothers Greg and Steve Mendoza. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of St. Timothy on March 17 at 10:00 am, preceded by viewing and a rosary from 8:30-9:30 am, and followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Lamb of God Maternity Home in Escondido.