Catherine Elaine West

Catherine had many accomplisments, but the greatest one she was a great mom who raised two wonderful and successful children. To her daughter Elaine and grandson John Todd you are in Gary and my hearts and thoughts.

There is not a season that goes by that I don't think of Kay. It all began when we met her many years ago when she came to Welches to spend time at her mountain cabin located next door to our family. I enjoyed watching her obvious love of the outdoors throughout the seasons. In the fall she could be found outside at the fire burning twigs and sweeping the patio. On cold winter days she would sit in her brown rocking chair next to the fire in the living room. Spring would find her...

She showed me "her Mountain", and Ramona Falls when I was a little girl. I remember times with Catherine being full of laughter, good food, music and "Corkey" her cat. She was an amazing travel companion for Mom...I heard story after story. She gave us Elaine and Denny and eventually Sue. She was a bright spot in our lives!

"You can see it in their eyes,
in tender hugs and long good-byes,
a love that only moms and daughters know.

You can see it in their smiles,
through passing years and changing styles,
a friendship that continually seems to grow.

You can see it in their lives,
the joy each one of them derives,
in just knowing that the other one is there.

To care and to understand,
lend a ear or hold a hand,
and to celebrate the memories...

Being a very good friend of Elaine's especially during our teen years, I have wonderful and warm memories of 'Mrs. West'. She was known for her smile, her ability to do many tasks at the same time, and her no-nonsense quick wit and humor. I can close my eyes and see her answering the front door wearing an apron over her dress and greeting me with a warm smile. She is missed and fondly remembered.

My condolences to you on the death of your mother and grandmother. I have very fond memories of Kay from my Wednesday night Supper Club days at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. This dates back to the late 1960's and early 1970's. My sisters and I can still recall the delicious dinners she prepared for us, lasagna, garlic bread and other tasty caseroles and desserts. I have tried my whole adult life to bake a lasagna as good as I remember her making, and have yet to do it. She was very...