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Catherine O'Grady Obituary
June 17, 1931 - October 28, 2019
Resident of SonomaCatherine Patricia O'Grady passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Catherine was 88 years old. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Patrick O'Grady, as well as her twin daughters, Eileen O'Grady (Bart Hickenbottom) and Maureen O'Grady Heatley, and her eight grandchildren, Ainsley, Kiera and Owen Hickenbottom (Carson City, NV) and Fionnuala, Declan, Caoilinn, Ronan, and Caddell Heatley (Los Altos, CA). She is also survived by her sister, Brietta Marken, and her nieces, Colleen Meisenbach and Brenda Spirz, and nephew, Carl Spirz. Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Bridie McEntee, and her twin sister, Mary Cusack, and brother-in-law, John Cusack.
Catherine was born in San Francisco, California on June 17, 1931. She attended Most Holy Redeemer Elementary School and St. Paul's High School. She met her husband over six decades ago at an Irish dance in San Francisco on St. Patrick's Day and they have been inseparable ever since. Pursuing her true vocation as a teacher, Catherine shaped many lives in her kindergarten and first grade classes for over twenty years at Most Holy Redeemer School and St. Philip's School and by tutoring after her retirement. After moving permanently to Sonoma in 1990, Catherine was an active member of St. Leo the Great Parish, attending daily morning Mass and leading the St. Vincent de Paul Society for many years. An avid sewer, knitter and quilter, Catherine enjoyed making hand-crafted creations for her family and friends. In addition, Catherine had an innate special quality that drew others to her and enabled her to touch their lives.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Catherine's life on Friday, November 8th at 12 p.m. (noon) at St. Leo the Great Church, 601 W. Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Leo's or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine O'Grady
Peter Fatooh
February 4, 2022
Dear Pat and Family: I just now learned of Catherine's passing. I am so sorry I did not know. My mom and dad and her father went way back from MHR. Please accept these heartfelt thoughts and remembrance of Catherine. God Bless you, Pat, and your lovely daughters and families.
Lola Gayle Lindsay
January 24, 2020
Cathy OGrady was a very special and dear colleague of ours at St. Phillips School in Noe Valley. The years working together with her, gave us much love and laughter as she was a bright light and inspiring teacher to be around . Her friendship and kindness to us all will always be remembered. We loved her dearly. Thank you Cathy ❤
Lola Gayle Lindsay
Joan Newell
November 9, 2019
Catherine's parents, Hughie and Bridie were very close friends with my parents, the Jesters, many years ago. I remember spending time with the McEntees in their home on Eureka St. So sad to hear of Catherine's passing. My sympathies and prayers to the family.
Aideen O'Grady
November 7, 2019
Dear Uncle Pat, Maureen, Eileen and families,
So sad to hear Auntie Cathy has passed away. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Auntie Cathy was such a pleasant and warm person who was always welcoming and eager to hear about how we were doing. Her pride in her family was so apparent. May she rest in peace.
We will be thinking of you all as you lay Auntie Cathy to rest.
Aideen, Conor, Cillian, Manus & Síofra McAuliffe
Kimberly DeFrancis
November 6, 2019
Mrs. O'Grady was my First Grade teacher at St. Philip's 41 years ago and I still remember her fondly.
My condolences to her family and friends. I'm sorry for your loss.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Tagle
November 5, 2019
To our dear uncle Pat and cousins Eileen and Maureen. I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Cathy was a special lady. She was so kind to me when l lived in San Francisco and l will forever be grateful to her for her kindness. You are in my thoughts and prayers. From Maeve and all the O'Gradys in Ireland
George Lillis
November 5, 2019
Pat, You and Catherine are fondly remembered our prayers are with you. George and RitaLillis
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