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Catherine Popham Obituary
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Nunnelley, Sr.
Survivors include her soul mate and loving husband of 30 years, Gregory J. Popham, their beloved sons, Charles Gregory and Michael Gerard, and the newest joy in her life, grandson Sacha Ethan. She is also survived by her brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Nunnelley, Jr. (Carrie), and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Nunnelley (Margaret); and her husband's family, Dr. and Mrs. Bernard I. Popham (Elizabeth), Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Goyette (Kathleen), Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Gross (Suzanne), Dr. and Mrs. Timothy B. Popham (Elizabeth), Burch V. Popham (Linda), Daniel P. Popham, and Dr. Julia A. Popham. In addition, Catherine had many nieces and nephews, all of whom were very special to her.
Catherine was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy; Carthage College in Kenosha, WI; and the University of Louisville, where she received her Masters in Education. She taught special education in Jefferson County Public Schools for several years. Most recently, Catherine served as the Human Resources Director for Broadway Management Group.
Catherine's accomplishments in life were many, but what truly made her special was her sweet and caring nature. Catherine filled all of our lives with gentle love and kindness. She was a blessing and a special gift to all who had the good fortune of knowing her. We miss you and love you, Catherine.
A Funeral Mass honoring her life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3345 Lexington Rd., with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 13, 2014 from 3-8 p.m. at Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Rd., in St. Matthews.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Nativity Academy or the DePaul School.
www.RattermanS.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Popham
Kim Wozniak
September 15, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. I just received my Carthage quarterly and saw the notification in the book. I was a sorority sister of Catherine's at Carthage. She was always one to keep things light and do crazy things with all of us. The world just got a bit dimmer with her gone.
Steve & Cathylee Arbaugh
March 7, 2014
Sad to hear of Catherine's passing - she was a valuable part of our close group of school friends
In retrospect each of us grew up together
As we reflect I'm reminded of her purity of spirit, genuine smile and generosity of laughter
Kelly Brady Dean
February 22, 2014
I was a fellow alum, SHA '74 and remember Catherine. What an amazing gift to be lifted from earthly existence...sadder for those who wanted a goodbye. I have often heard it said people wish they would 'just go to sleep and pass away' but I don't think that happens much. Your wife, mother, sister, and friend was most unique and is now joining her light with the heavenly host above. RIP Catherine!
February 18, 2014
Catherine and her little boys were our neighbors some years ago. How we delighted in her wonderful sense of humor with the little boys. She was always so "positive" and friendly. We are saddened by hearing of her sudden death. God Bless all of you -- you had a very "Special" Wife and Mother.
Mary & Clyde Cox
February 18, 2014
Rob and Chris. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Alice (Byrd) Hoffer, Cincinnati , Ohio
Connor Kelly
February 16, 2014
Greg, Charlie and Michael I am so sorry for your loss. Catherine was so special and I know you will miss her every day. Know that she touched many others lives and she lives in our hearts always. Huge Hugs!
Cheryl Fassler
February 16, 2014
Dear Popham and Nunnelley families, I was stunned and saddened to hear about Catherine's sudden death. I remember spending time with all of you when I came to Louisville to run the 1/2 marathon on several occasions. Of course, I have known Chris Nunnelley since our ND days. My heart goes out to all of you. Catherine was such a special person and now has eternal life. Your families have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Lusher
February 14, 2014
Greg, our hearts break for you all. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Catherine was truly special and we will miss her deeply. Peggy, Meghan and Madalyn.
meg goyette
February 14, 2014
Rest in peace, sweet Catherine
love-
February 13, 2014
To all of Catherine's family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. She was my first cousin and I still remember her sweetness. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Monica (Schwartzel) Peacock.
Kathi Lincoln-Remmers
February 13, 2014
I posted this to FB but wanted to share here as well.
I have used FB over the years to share good times with family and friends but today I post to share sadness. I wanted to share it because we all find ourselves forced to come to terms that we are not immortal. A dear friend has passed in her sleep and I feel the urge to tell my friends how much I treasure each moment with them. I met Catherine Popham and her husband Greg many years ago at the old Cardinal Stadium at a U of L football game. My dad and I became quick friends with the couple and even suggested we get seats next to them at the new stadium. We've been great friends ever since. You can ask anyone I know that I would always say "these are the nicest people I've ever met." Catherine and Greg were inseparable. They were the perfect love story of two people who were together for a very long time and never lost that spark. They raised two sons together (was an amazing mother), had a successful business together, she helped him through his cancer, was a wonderful grandmother....he was always supportive and crazy about her. She was the type of person who always asked about your kids, your parents and had that attentiveness to your story/problems that's so rare. She genuinely cared and was equally sad or happy with you depending on the conversation. She was complimentary. Always fussing over an appetizer or food u prepared or how you decorated. She was over the top generous (like Greg). She loved a good dark beer or bourbon. She was always giddy when my dad would sneak in an airplane size bourbon at the games and we'd put it in her hot chocolate.
When I learned of her passing yesterday I was numb. I can't imagine the family's sadness..shock. I haven't stopped crying and am having a hard time reading my own words that I type. I just want everyone to know how quickly someone can be gone from your life. I luckily have no regrets about my friendship w/ Catherine. She knows I adored her and thought the world of her. She was such a kind gentle soul. And that's how she left us. God truly has an amazing new angel. Rest in peace my friend.
February 13, 2014
To the Nunnelley and Popham families, we are so sorry for this sudden loss. Catherine sounds like she was a very beautiful person inside and out. It is wonderful that she touched so many lives in such a positive way. May you be comforted in the perfect peace of Christ Jesus. Love and prayers from Brook & Scott Keen.
Joan Hughes
February 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Popham and Nunnelley Families. Catherine was such a joyful person and she will be missed. I pray that you would feel His gentle touch reach down and heal you.
Melissa Uhl Draut
February 13, 2014
Growing up, I fondly remember Catherine's smile and cheerfulness. Greg, Chris, Rob and family - my prayers are with you.
Becky Reed
February 13, 2014
Greg & family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Catherine was such a special person, and our hearts go out to you and to your whole family.
Jennifer Beaven
February 12, 2014
Greg and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Catherine was a dedicated communion minister on our committee and she will be missed by all of us at St. Michael. She will also be missed by the many residents at the nursing home to whom she ministered.
God Bless you Catherine
February 12, 2014
The Teachers and Staff of The de Paul School send our prayers of comfort and strength to the Popham family. We recall Catherine as an encourager and as one who lit up the room with joy as she entered. What a marvelous family!
Tony Kemper
Chris Allen
February 12, 2014
Greg, Charlie and Michael,
I am so sorry to hear the news.
Catherine was so special and such a wonderful friend AND next door neighbor! I always enjoyed seeing her and talking and laughing with her. What a sweetheart and how great to have known someone as awesome as her! God speed Catherine, you are an angel in heaven now!
Walt Kelly
February 12, 2014
I'm so sorry, what a terrible shock.
Kathy Aiken
February 12, 2014
Greg, Michael and Charlie,
Chuck, Will and I were so sorry to hear about Catherine! Heaven gained a new Angel! She was such a sweet and lovely person and such a bright light in our lives! I enjoyed all our fun times together. She will be missed. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time - you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy Aiken
Teresa Heintzman
February 12, 2014
Greg, I am so shocked and sad to read of the passing of your beautiful wife. I did not know her well because she was much younger than I at Sacred Heart. You know, she grew up right behind my Mom and Dad's house on Lexington Road. I would see her and her brothers playing in the neighborhood when they were very young. My prayer are with you and your boys. May God give you the strength to carry on without the love and rock of your life. Sincerely, Teresa Heintzman, (still living at The Commodore on Bonnycastle Ave.)
February 12, 2014
To al the Nunnelley's
So sorry to hear of this.
I will keep all in my prays!
Anne Varga
Booth Kalmbach
February 12, 2014
We send our prayers and fond memories to Greg, Chris, Rob and families.
Scott Roby
February 12, 2014
The obit. was right on I always remember how sweet and caring Cathleen was. A trait envied by all but few have. Have joy always,pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus 1Thes.5:16-18
Dean & Boots Washbish
February 12, 2014
Greg,Our love and prayers are with you and your boys and Rob and Chris.Dean and Boots Washbish
Stacy and Pat Robison
February 11, 2014
Catherine will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jeffrey Jarboe
February 11, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I graduated with Chatherine from Holy Spirit and received the news from some other classmates. All of us were saddened. She was a sweet woman and always friendly to me. Her family is in our prayers.
Amisu and Mike Vera
February 11, 2014
Greg and Family,
Words cannot express the amazing person Catherine was to everyone. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Nancy Chesser
February 11, 2014
We are just shocked to hear about Catherine. She was such a wonderful person. I think about her ever time I cut the grass. We always waved from our riding mowers. My heart aches for you all. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
The Chessers
crystal jacobsen
February 11, 2014
Thoughts and prayers for you Greg and your family.
February 11, 2014
Greg and family
Please accept our deepest sympathy to you in this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Pat and Jim Schafehen
Mary Eitel
February 11, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy to Greg and all the Popham and Nunnelley families. Catherine was such a nice girl. So sorry to hear the news. She will be missed.
Tom & Debbie Hile
February 11, 2014
Our hearts go out to all of you for your loss. One look in her eyes and you could see the kindness in her soul. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Sarah Tinsley
February 11, 2014
One of the most beautiful souls I ever met! I loved her dearly and she will be missed! God must have been missing an angel!
Ron White
February 11, 2014
Greg & Family: Being a "gentle soul" is how I remember Catherine. We had a working relationship that was so easy, but her true spirit came out when she was a gracious host, truly an angel among us. I'll remember the good times in fall at the Popham Ranch. Peace with you and your family.
February 11, 2014
Catherine was deeply cherished by all who knew her. She remains a source of Grace, and elegance and a Blessing for us all to have had her in our lives We will always honor her memory and try to follow her lead. She was such a source of light for us at Broadway Management Group and will continue to be! She will be deeply missed by all who was touched by her kind and loving spirit!
Heart felt condolences to her family during this very difficult time!
Lesly and Dan Keegan
February 11, 2014
Greg and family,
I am so sad to hear about Catherine, she was the best. Greg,you are in our thoughts and prayers. love, Lesly and Dan Keegan
Deb & Joe Conway
February 11, 2014
Catherine, you were such a beautiful, gracious & sweet soul. We will miss you so very much. Greg, Charley & Michael, our hearts go out to you in this really tough time. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Matt Dougherty
February 11, 2014
The ice storm must have cut power in heaven and He needed a light. You will be missed by those of us unfortunate enough not to go with you. Give our love to Bob and Suzie when you see them.
Rhonda Vessels
February 11, 2014
We will miss your light so much. We had good times together..
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