Cathy Jean Dennis

DENNIS, Cathy Jean (Goodridge), passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023 after a 10-month journey with Lymphoma. Despite all of her struggles fighting this disease she always maintained her deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, reading and studying His word daily. When asked by her pastor on her last day "what have you been praying these last 24 hours?" her response summed up her life, "I'm praying for my children and my grandchildren." This was Cathy, using the example of Jesus and always placing others above self.

Cathy's life can best be summed up by five "F" words: Faith, Family, Friends, Food and Fun. In her almost 70 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each.

Faith: As mentioned, Cathy had a deep and abiding faith which was the hallmark of her life. She put that into action through her daily life and through her church. She was involved in the startup of the Food Pantry Ministry, she loved her time leading a Women's Bible study. Served on numerous commitees and task groups. Went on both youth and adult mission trips. Created and stocked the current resource library. She wore her faith on her sleeve and touched many lives. People always knew that she was a follower of Christ.

Family: Cathy's Dad, Jack Goodridge was an international banker and as such she grew up in several countries, including Lebanon, South Africa and Egypt. As a result, she learned to speak several languages. Cathy graduated from Bartram Boarding School (high school) in Jacksonville, Florida in 1972. From there she moved to Syracuse, New York living at her parents' home while working various jobs and obtaining her nursing degree. It was this move that brought Cathy and Mark together. Looking for a church, her sister contacted a local Christian radio station and asked for a church recommendation. It happened to be the one Mark was attending. Cathy stated that when she first met Mark, she knew this was the man she was to marry. Mark was not quite that quick, but he soon came to the same realization. The result was that they were married in 1977 and were then blessed with three wonderful children, Julie, John and Steve. She deeply loved and was dedicated to her husband of 46 years, Mark, her children and now one son-in-law (Brad), two daughters-in-law (Lacy and Colleen), and six grandchildren (Brayden, Carson, Genevieve, Ashleigh, Aaron and Gretchen).

Cathy is survived by her mother Lois Goodridge, three sisters Elizabeth Goodridge, Joni Engelbretson and Martha Biesmeyer.

Friends: Cathy cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, many of them lasting the remainder of her life. At the time of her passing, Cathy still had friendships that she developed overseas as a child, at Bartram, in upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and here in Virginia. She was known not just for enjoying her friendships but for being a good friend as well.

Food: Cathy was always known for having something good to eat. Her grandchildren can especially attest to this. Her cookies and treats were famous within the family. Cathy was self-taught when it came to cooking, teaching herself via her vast collection of cookbooks. She loved to watch the cooking shows as a way of coming up with something new and exciting. Cathy could always be counted on to cook up something amazing for delivery to a friend or neighbor in need. Everything she prepared was done with great skill and lots of love.

Fun: In any setting Cathy was always full of life and lots of fun. She especially loved playing with her grandchildren, and they loved playing with her!

The last 25 years of Cathy's work life was with VCU Health as a nurse. She had the utmost respect and admiration for the medical professionals she was so fortunate to be associated with.

Cathy was a wonderful person who was loved and cherished by all. She loved her Lord, loved her family and all of her many friends. She will be sorely missed by all.

Cathy is truly the embodiment of a life well-lived. She now has realized the blessed hope we have in Jesus, and we so look forward to that time when we will be reunited with her in God's presence.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Cathy on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Gayton Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Gayton Baptist Church, Gayton Baptist Church 13501 North Gayton Road

Henrico, VA 23233 or https://gayton.church/give

Cathy and Mark's church home for 30 years.