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Catherine Corwin Obituary
Catherine "Cathi/Cates" Beth Corwin, MSN, CNS, CNL, RN
April 20, 1958 - February 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Catherine Beth Corwin, a vibrant soul who graced this world for 66 years. On Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:40 p.m., Catherine left this life at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Illinois, surrounded in the love of her family.
Born on a spring day, April 20, 1958, in La Grange, Illinois, Catherine was the daughter of Robert J. and Mary Jo (Weseman) DeVries. Her journey through life was marked by love, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to others. She first shared her heart with Jon Kaesberg, and together they welcomed two beautiful children into the world. Later, on July 20, 2016, Catherine found love again and married Dr. Jay Corwin in a ceremony at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Illinois. Jay remains to carry forward the bond they built together.
Catherine's legacy lives on through her devoted daughter, Abigail Elizabeth Kaesberg; her loving son, Zakary Alexander (Julija) Kaesberg; her parents, Robert J. and Mary Jo DeVries; her sister, Lori (Jeff) Mayfield; her nephew, Robert (Ashley) Mayfield; her niece, Allison (Jac Cooper) Mayfield; and many great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her beloved nephew, Luke A. Mayfield, whose memory she held close to her heart.
A scholar and an educator, Catherine graduated from St. Louis University. For over three decades, she illuminated the halls of the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University as a Professor of Nursing. Her passion for teaching was a light of inspiration, earning her the Dr. Kathleen A. Hogan Teaching Excellence Award an astonishing 19 times. In 2009, she was further honored with the Outstanding University Teaching Award, a recognition of her dedication to nurturing the minds and passions of others.
Though she retired in 2017, Catherine's love for teaching called her back to the classroom in 2018, where she continued to shape the future of nursing students with her wisdom and patience. Her life was a tapestry woven of love, learning, and service to enriching the lives of others. She cherished traveling with her husband, Jay, and held a special place in her heart for their journey to the majestic Mount Rainier, which she affectionately called "Lady Rainier." Catherine's greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Catherine's Life
Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance for a memorial visitation on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 - 10:45 am at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at the same location, followed by a celebratory lunch from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Inurnment will take place at 2:45 pm at Funks Grove Cemetery in McLean, Illinois.
In honor of Catherine's lifelong dedication to education and compassion, the family suggests memorial donations to the Catherine Kaesberg (CBK) and Dr. Jay Corwin Endowment Fund for Academic Success at Illinois State University Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Corwin
Tom Galvin
April 2, 2025
Dr. Corwin and the family have my sympathy. I learned of Cathi's passing indirectly from her father's obituary. I attended Quincy College in the 70s and accompanied their show choir, in which Cathi performed, even though she was still in high school. Somehow, I knew that she lived in the Champaign area, found an address, and invited her to my son's trumpet recital at the U of I about 10 years ago. She couldn't make it, but I would've loved to have seen her. Cathi obviously went on to much bigger things. Pleasant, intelligent, and lovely gal. Stunning eyes.
Melanie Salisbury
March 3, 2025
I hope she realized the amount of lives she has touched and saved through her teaching. I for one am thankful for her knowledge she passed on that I put into practice every shift I work. Thank you, Cathi Rest in Peace.
Katherine Kara
February 22, 2025
Cathi was an amazing teacher. At Mennonite college of nursing, she shaped me into the nurse I am today. I continue to help others in her memory every day. Thank you, Cathi, for making me who I am, and teaching me how to help the world.
Cathy Moe
February 22, 2025
Cathi was an amazing force of positivity and creativity. She was a powerful influence on me and helped shape my career. She will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
Eric Richmond
February 21, 2025
Mrs. Corwin was a shining light for me in my studies at ISU. She helped guide and teach me how to prepare, study, and pass exams. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today! Her impact on me will last a lifetime.
Catherine Byron
February 16, 2025
CBK was such a wonderful nursing instructor! She was so passionate and loved to help students!! I tell everyone I only passed the NCLEX because of CBK! Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Rick and Judy haugh
February 15, 2025
Sending our thoughts and prayers
Robin Bedwell
February 15, 2025
Such a sweet lady. I enjoyed working with her and her daughter, Abi, at the High School of St. Thomas More.
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