Catherine Cecelia Abbs

Catherine Cecelia Abbs, age 63, of La Porte, Indiana – formerly of Key Largo, Florida; Briarcliff, Texas; Rolling Prairie, Indiana; and Berwyn, Brookfield and Maywood, all in Illinois – passed away suddenly on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, while on vacation in West Baden, Indiana.

Catherine was born on Sept. 6, 1962, in Oak Park, Illinois, the fifth child of six, to the late Bertram G. and Jacqueline J. Abbs (nee Stevens).

She is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher C. Evans; her loved children, Hayley M. Sanders, Caitlin I. Sanders, Cassandra Vanek and step-daughter Rebecca L. Sage; and two wonderful grandchildren, Maxwell M. Sanders and Jacob D. Sanders; as well as siblings, Susan (Steven) Bejlovec, Stephen (Mary) Abbs, Barbara (Bob) Lumpkins and Regina (Kevin) Gahr. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Catherine was pre-deceased by her parents; and sister, Lisa (David) Kummerow.

Catherine always made an impact. Those who had the pleasure of her friendship never forgot the impression she made in their lives. Kind, giving, selfless and fearless would be the attributes that defined her. Raised in her early years in Maywood, Illinois, she attended St. Eulalia Catholic School until moving to Brookfield, Illinois. She still had contact with many of her grade school friends, who still speak well of her.

She attended Riverside-Brookfield H.S. and graduated in 1980. Other friendships for life were forged in her years there, and those connections continued until her passing, taking the form of many "girls' weekends."

Catherine shared some coincidental connections with her third husband, Christopher, and when they connected online, they both knew that they were meant for each other, and she (and Chris) followed their hearts to get together in Texas. Marriage in a fun location soon followed and together they found many ways to enjoy life to its fullest.

Whether working or playing, she made many new friends that she considered close until the end.

In time, this couple chose to move to the Florida Keys. The move was a circuitous journey which took six-and-a-half weeks by car around the United States, Mexico and Canada. Driving through 28 states, and seeing much of the beauty contained within the country thrilled her. She always possessed a sense of childlike wonder when it came to new things and new places.

In 2022 Catherine made a move of selflessness. Selling their Florida Keys home and taking her husband back north to be accessible to both their aging mothers and her daughter and two grandchildren. Her goal was to help shape their lives and prepare them for adulthood in a stable environment. Many would say she succeeded.

Catherine held a variety of jobs in her lifetime, in sales at a travel agency, Trane Air Conditioning, and a music store. She worked catering at Indiana Deli. She was in the golf industry working for Ben Crenshaw at Austin Golf Club and at Omni Barton Creek Resort.

A celebration to honor her will be held on March 21, 2026, at Irish Times Pub, 8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield, Illinois, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Catherine's family and friends are all welcome to attend.

A scattering of her ashes will be planned for Sept. 6, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia. Those who know her will understand the dates' significance and the location she wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name to the COPD Foundation or the American Lung Association would be appreciated.