Cathleen Elizabeth Schneider

Cathleen Elizabeth Schneider, lovingly known as Cathy, age 70, passed peacefully into Heaven on December 23, 2025, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where she was reunited with her beloved family.

Cathleen was born on June 13, 1955, in Lannon, Wisconsin. She was a devoted and loving mother to her two children, Michael (Mike) Schneider and Ashley Southerland who were the center of her world. Caring for others was not only her passion, but her purpose in life.

Cathy had a heart as big as her smile. She found joy in giving gifts, shopping for others, and making everyone around her feel deeply loved. She cherished her routines, especially watching her favorite television shows—Days of Our Lives, Mom, and Mike and Molly. She loved cooking and baking, always making sure those she cared for were well-fed and happy. One of her favorite traditions was Fish-Fry Fridays, which she truly looked forward to. Her favorite dessert was cake, and she never passed up a good slice. As she would say, “YUM YUM.”

Her kindness and compassion carried into her professional life. Cathy worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for over 20 years, providing comfort and care to countless individuals. She later spent another 20 years working at Sun Laundry, where she formed many close friendships. Customers and coworkers alike were drawn to her—not only because she was exceptional at her job, but because she never failed to make them laugh. Many came just to see her smile and hear her jokes.

Cathy had a rare gift: she made people feel truly seen and valued. No amount of words can fully capture the love and warmth you felt simply being in her presence. If something made her happy, she’d express it by clapping and doing a dance that no one can mimic, and when life got a little silly, she’d laugh and say, “oh for heaven sakes.”

Cathleen is survived by her children, Ashley Southerland (Chris Strutz) and Michael Schneider (Lisa Austin), Ed Schneider; and her nieces, Miranda Weston (Bill Weston), Mikaela Schneider, and Lauren Schneider.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carol Schneider and Edgar Schneider; her sister, Cheryl Malueg; and her brother, Craig Schneider.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 23, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at North Pillar Brewing. In Cathy’s honor, guests are invited to enjoy a fish fry, partake in beermosas, and share a slice of cake, her favorite dessert. All who knew and loved Cathy are welcome to attend and celebrate a woman whose love, laughter, and generous heart touched so many lives. Even if you didn’t know her personally, feel free to come and support her family.