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Catherine M. Selberg

1925 - 2014

Catherine M. Selberg obituary, 1925-2014, Paradise, CA

BORN

1925

DIED

2014

Catherine Selberg Obituary

CATHERINE M. SELBERG Nov. 10, 1925 - Oct. 16, 2014 Catherine M. Selberg, a Paradise resident & member of St. Thomas More Church since 1954, died at home with her daughter and son-in-law at her side, on Oct. 16, 2014 (70 years from the day she married Maurice K. Selberg). She would have turned 89 the following month. Her life began in Drake, N. Dakota on Nov. 10, 1925. She was born at home, the 10th and last child of John & Kate Anton. Her father died 6 mos. later. All of her siblings worked early in their lives to help their mother make ends meet. At the age of 5 she pulled her "little red wagon" full of laundry (her mother had washed & ironed) to deliver to her mother's customers. One summer her mother took the youngest children with her to a nearby town to work at a hotel/restaurant. Catherine's job was drying dishes and hanging the dish towels out to dry. As a teenager, after school, she worked for a family laundering and ironing in their home. The husband wore a white starched shirt each day and the wife dressed her daughter in dresses with layers and layers of ruffles that needed starching. This family had quite a different lifestyle and their "flair" for fashion rubbed off on her. In her adult life she was always known as a "classy" dresser. At the age of 16, while working at her older sisters' cafe, she attended a town dance in Velva N. Dakota on June 2, 1942. A young man, named Maurice asked her to dance and they were together for the rest of their lives, having married on Oct. 16, 1944. Catherine worked in restaurants, grocery stores, & ladies apparel shops until 1950. She gave birth to a daughter (Vicki) that year and a son (Steven) in 1953. She was a full time mother until 1961 when she became a sales clerk for "Betty's Apparels" located on Skyway. Several years later "Osers" of Chico purchased the Paradise business and Catherine became the manager and buyer for their Paradise location. She loved her "San Francisco" market days where she would pick out fashions to bring to Paradise. In those days, the clothing stores were small, intimate, and personalized. Customers would even get calls from Cathy and her co-workers to let them know of items they thought were the perfect color or style for them. Everyone got the experience of having their own "personal assistant." Following her "Osers" days she transferred her talents to "Grinages" in Chico where women from all over Butte County came for their fashion conscious shopping. Cathy is remembered by her co-workers as meticulous, humorous, and a go getter. (she repeatedly won "top sales person") She is remembered by her past customers for her "eye" for color and style. Cathy retired in 1988 to join her husband (who had retired in 1987) for many road trips mainly to attend Dixieland Jazz Festivals, visit out of town family/friends, and Casino's to play poker and blackjack. She also joined many friends weekly for local Bingo nights. Due to her husbands' Parkinson challenges they moved from their home of 50 years to Apt. 140 at Feather Canyon in July of 2008. Following her husbands' death in 2010 she remained at Feather Canyon Retirement Community until her death. The staff and residents of this community offered her a rich life filled with kindnesses, attention, lasting friendships, enjoyable activities, wonderful entertainment, and a true sense of extended family. She was especially fond of her hairdresser there, Marilyn Underhill who contributed to her continuing "classy lady" image. Catherine was preceded in death by her 9 siblings & husband Maurice. She is survived by her son Steven (Sally) of Bremerton, Wash., daughter Vicki (John) Kunst of Paradise, grandson Ryan Selberg, grandaughter Gabrielle Lohse, great-grandchildren Kameron & Alexis Lohse, & grandson Aaron Kunst.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Nov. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Susie Taylor Bohnert

November 24, 2014

Vicki and Steve, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing, I remember her as a vibrant woman, always helpful at Osers and of course, at school at St. Thomas Moore. She is back with your dad and even though she is gone, part of her will always be with you.

Debbie Lovett

November 24, 2014

Vicki, Thinking of you and sending prayers. Your Mom was an amazing woman and admired by all of us.

CASEY QUIGLEY

November 23, 2014

My heart goes out to you, Vicky and John, at this time and in the days ahead. My sincere condolences.

November 22, 2014

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 2Corr 1:3,4

November 22, 2014

Dear Vicki and John -
Condolences on your loss. Cathy was not only "classy", she
was up-to-the-minute on whatever was current and had an easy, friendly way. I remember seeing her when your Dad
was in the nursing home (along with my husband, Jim) and
she was quite vibrant and outgoing. I know she will be missed.
Helynn Hilke

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