Your mom was one of the first people I met at NU, and along with her roommate Eileen, one of my first true female friends. 
We stayed in touch through the 
70's, then sadly lost contact with each other. Viewing the video on the website gave me a 
small taste of what her life was like--full of love, laughter, friends, and family. I will always remember her infectious laugh
--which we would try to imitate but could never duplicate-- and
her positive attitude and love of life. You are lucky to have her for a mom, she was a special lady.

Here is approximately what I said at the funeral: 
I had a great Mom! She made sure I knew and felt loved. Whether it was with a hug, the right words at the perfect moment or a gentle admonishment to keep me on the right path. As a single Mom (after my parents split up) she sacrificed so many of her own opportunities and goals to raise me in the best way possible.

 My Mom was very into celebrating all holidays.  Christmas was her favorite. She made it such a  magical experience for me. Every room in our house was decorated for the holiday, whether it be with it's own tree or otherwise festooned ... She believed, "more was more".

 Even as I grew into an adult, (I don't think she necessarily thought of me as an adult) she would fill my childhood Easter basket and haul it to whichever restaurant we were going to celebrate at that year. I would look around the restaurant trying to locate her by trying to spot the ridiculous basket.

She was also the queen of costumes. The WHQODJY singers can attest to her love of crafting a costume. As a kid, I never had a store bought costume. They, if not entirely made by my Mom, were re-purposed items we already had or from the thrift store. With some sewing, dyeing, and a little vision she transformed me into a pumpkin, one of Cinderella's fairy godmothers, a gypsy, a witch, a skeleton and countless other creations.

As I grew older, she finally felt like she could do things for herself. I was so happy when she started to take singing classes at The Old Town School of Folk Music. There she found a community of fellow music enthusiasts and of course, her friends, the Martini Girls.

I will miss the love and joy my Mom brought to my and other people's lives. She will always be with us in our hearts, in our memories and in the the music.

The impact Cathy had on my life cannot be quantified. She was my second mom; since I was nine years old her home has been my home, always ready to welcome me back with hugs, a good book and delicious rice. She was quick to correct my grammar (a trait I am deeply thankful for!) and encourage me not to settle, whether in academics, relationships or restaurants. She was a fashion advising, movie watching, girls night extraordinaire! As an adult she became my friend, but she never quite stopped being my other mom, joining my wedding party because I couldn't imagine it without her.  I am so thankful I was able to visit her again in December. It was heartbreaking to know I was there to say goodbye, and I had more tears than suitable words to share. Today I hope she is at peace with an endless supply of new books, fantastic shoes and a martini in hand. I am blessed having known her and shared in her life.

I'll always remember how helpful Cathy was to Gwen and Jonnie when we were all preparing for a show.  She will be very much missed by our singing family.
Sincerely,
Ingrid Gillis  (WHQODJYS)

Cristina and Nick,
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad to have met Cathy and felt welcomed in her presence. Please let me know if I can help in any way. 
Much love,
Glenda

A Note from our dear Nina Chinn, honorary Martini Girl.

Dear Jonnie, I said special prayers for you and Cathy, May she rest in Peace.  Thank you, Jonnie for keeping me posted.

Cathy must be aware of all of us now.  Bye Cathy, Rest sweetly in peace.   

Love Ninotchka

So very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you doing this difficult time. Psalms 83 : 18.

We sat next to each other when we both worked for SBC in Chicago.  Cathy gave me a crystal pumpkin candle that I display each year at Halloween.  I will always remember her laughter and smile.  My sincere condolences to Cristina and your family.

My sincere sympathy and empathy to Cristina and the family.  I remember Cathy fondly from our childhood at Viejo and Alice's house when she would come to spend the summer in Chicago.

I went to high school with Cathy, and remember her fondly.  She was a wonderful, giving person.  My condolences go to her daughter, and other family members, for their loss.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

What lovely pictures. I'll always treasure my memories of our good times together- doing Disney, celebrating thanksgiving and Christmas, weddings, birthday brunches at the Walnut Room. She will definitely be missed but I feel so blessed to have been a part of her life. <3

OBITUARY

Catherine Pagan

14 July, 1954 – 23 December, 2015

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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