Catherine Mowry LaCugna
March 23, 1924 - April 5, 2018
Obituary
Catherine Mowry LaCugna
1924 – 2018
A life devoted to faith and family
Catherine Mowry LaCugna was born in Glasgow, Montana on March 23,1924 and passed away peacefully on April 5, 2018. She was the daughter of Margaret and Ransom Mowry and was reared in Havre, Montana. She left to attend college in Duluth, Minnesota; after one cold winter there, she decided to move to Seattle College (now Seattle University) where she earned a degree in English. While there, she met her husband Charles and together they reared six children on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Later on, Catherine earned a Masters in Teaching degree from Seattle University and spent many years as a high school teacher.
In retirement, Catherine and Charles enjoyed traveling and exploring the world; Italy was a favorite destination, especially Rome and Florence. For a remarkable sixty-plus years, they were active and devoted members of St. Joseph Parish in Seattle. In addition to her work in the parish, Catherine volunteered for more than twenty years at Swedish Cherry Hill Hospital, logging over 25,000 hours in service to others. In her deeply faithful life, she always remembered to thank and praise God for all good things. Her faith sustained and nourished her. She was often smiling, and her eyes twinkled even in her later years.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Mark Patrick (1944), her husband, Charles (2007) and her daughter, Catherine (1997).
She is survived by her children: Margaret, Mary (Fred Miller), Barbara (Terry Gilreath), Joe (Bob Mitchell), and Teresa (Brian Fields). She is also survived by grandchildren: Peter Sanford, Kristine Desimone (Joe) , Shannon Reyes (John), Sarah Miller, Andrew Miller, Colin Fields, Graham Fields, and great grandchildren, Brittany Reyes, Marco Desimone, Joe Desimone Jr.
Catherine’s family is grateful for the excellent care she received at Evergreen Family Home in Bellevue. Providence Hospice also provided expert care during the last year.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be offered at St. Joseph Church in Seattle (732 18th Ave East) on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 11:00am. A reception will follow.
Catherine and Charles contributed their time, talents and treasure to support Catholic school, religious orders, and charities serving the neediest among us. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Catherine’s faith and lifelong commitments, the family will appreciate contributions to St. Martin de Porres Shelter or to your favorite charity.
Catherine would also appreciate any kind gestures you extend to someone in need. Catherine will smile on you if you enjoy an Irish coffee.
Catherine was a joy to be with in my ministry years at St. Joseph in the early 2000’s. She loved to teach and listen. She will be truly missed.
To Barb and all the LaCugna family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Her strong faith and her sense of duty to Volunteer. I remember often seeing her as one of the “Pink Ladies” volunteering her time to help the patients and Visitors to Providence Hospital. I also remember her on 20th and at many St. Josephs functions. I am sure her strong faith she is united in Christ. She was one of the Mothers on the Hill who show strong family values.. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Christ’s special peace be yours, dear family, as a sharing in your very dear mother’s Eternal Peace! What a blessing Catheirne was, and will continue to be in Heaven, as she was such a WOMAN OF WISDOM and personal integrity! She graced our HNA, Seattle with five marvelous daughters and the loving support of her son. Morever, Catherine taught us how to live a life of dedicated service, to value quality Catholic edcation, to be an active and caring member of our beloved St. Joseph’s Parish, and to encourage people with kindness, graciousness, sensitivity, and that sincere promise of mutual prayers.
I thank God that Catheine and Charlies always valued and supported our SNJM Sisters as friends. I, personally, am one, among many, who will be praying to Catherine and forever singing her praises because Catheine lived her life of praise of God with genuine thanksgiving and joy!