Florence Cecelia Cather

1924 - 2024

Florence Cecelia Cather

July 10, 1924 - December 18, 2024

LINCOLN - Our mother, Florence Cecelia (Brady) Cather known to her friends and family as Cec, died at home in Lincoln on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the amazing age of 100.

Cecelia was born July 10, 1924 to John and Florence (Kanaly) Brady in St. Louis, Missouri. The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska when Cec was two.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, Cec attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. She was employed by the Cooper Foundation Theaters then later the First Trust Co. as secretary to the V.P.

Cec married Robert Harvey Cather (Bob) on September 6, 1952. They first crossed paths in Homeroom at Whittier Jr. High. Mutual friends brought them together again many years later after Bob returned from the Pacific Theater of WWII. Cec visited Bob when he was hospitalized with a broken back.

He offered to teach her to drive after learning that driving attempts with her father had resulted in a collision between the car and a tree! That serendipitous arrangement was the start of a wonderful life together. For many years after marriage, Cec did the accounts receivable for the family company Cather & Sons Construction - while doing an exemplary job of raising their three children.

Cec was a kind, generous, and inclusive human. She was active in many Lincoln organizations, usually serving as treasurer. One of her favorite organizations was The Heritage League; she originated the annual 'Holiday of Trees" event - a Lincoln favorite! Another example of Cec's innate ability of bringing people together were her notable 'roadtrips'. Cec could easily fill a 40-passenger tour bus with friends and acquaintances. She arranged adventures around the midwest visiting artisan workshops, museums, galleries, theaters, and restaurants. We called her a "wannabe travel agent!"

Over the course of her life, Cec was a consummate hostess and loved entertaining, whether for bridge groups, her gourmet cooking club, or friends and family. She enjoyed cooking and hosting well into her mid-90's when COVID-19 caused a shutdown in social activities. It was important to our mother to involve herself in various sorts of volunteerism. She helped out in so many ways, from distributing books in the local hospital to assisting the blind balance their checkbooks monthly.

Cecelia is preceded in death by her parents, brother Jack, and husband Robert.

She is survived by her children: Scott Cather (Kathy), Carol McKee (Mike), and Linda Johnson (Scott); also her grandchildren: Kevin Cather (Melissa), Brian McKee (Brittany Leffler), Adam McKee (Kendra), Cory McKee (Steffi Ingram), Andrew Johnson (Briana), Amanda Johnson (Juan Lopez), Hayley Johnson (Jacob Meyer) and six great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a visitation Sunday, December 29th at 6 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place Monday, December 30th at 1 p.m. at St. Teresa's Church with reception following a Catholic Mass.

Memorials can be directed to St. Teresa's Catholic Church or Cause for Paws Lincoln.

Mom, we will carry your memory and your light in our hearts forever.