Catharina Elizabeth Colvert

Catharina Elizabeth Colvert, age 88 of Gallatin, TN passed away July 15, 2025 in Nashville, TN. She was born July 25, 1936 in Maartensdijk, Netherlands.

Mrs. Colvert grew up in the Netherlands and in her early years, she worked with her brother at street market selling a variety of items, showing fabric and exhibiting her sewing and seamstress abilities. She had a love for exercise and a keen interest in self-defense studies. She taught courses in martial arts before focusing on self-defense for women. Continuing her love of physical activity, exercise and yoga became a favorite pastime. She married John and they moved to Cincinnati, OH, where started making stuffed bears and selling them at craft shows around the area. Eventually the business continued to grow and her reach expanded. A morning talk show picked her story up and through an interview, her notoriety began to grow and more craft shows across the country were a result. Ultimately, with the Knuffel Teddy Bears, she would have her creations provided to customers all over the world. She and John later moved to TN and where she enjoyed spending time with family, and enjoyed taking walks, biking, and working puzzles.

Mrs. Colvert was preceded in death by her parents, son, Bart Berendsen; and sisters, Dean and Gloria. She is survived her husband, Michael John Colvert; daughters, Kitty Berendsen and Susanna Berendsen-Wellerdieck; brother, Thijs (Yoke); sisters, Sonja and Rosemarie; 13 grandchildren; many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of Mrs. Colvert’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Nashville, TN. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.