Catherine Marie Pecorella Colapret was born in Texarkana in 1928, to Johnny and Blanche Pecorella. Cathy was the eldest of two daughters. She and Pat were raised in a very modest home on Hickory Ave. The strength of their community was St. Edwards Church and the two girls would complete all of their primary education in that parish. It was there, that she met her future husband, Richard Colapret. Although they were children, Richard somehow had the premonition that they would marry someday. Apparently, these childhood ambitions were met with some skepticism from the respective parents, but about twenty years later, Richard & Catherine were married in 1953. They were married until Richard’s death in 2020.
Blanche (Cathy’s mother) had a long career as a surgical nurse at St. Michaels hospital and Cathy was exposed to the medical field early in her life. She eventually entered training to become a medical technician and spent a remarkable 50 years in that career. In fact, she worked until she was 91 years old, outliving several physicians who owned the lab in which she worked. She was very proud of her work ethic and attendance record.
Cathy & Richard would go onto have 5 children: John, Frank, Ann, Patrick and Carol. By 1960, they had moved to Garland and the family resides there to this day. The five of us grew up and moved into adulthood with their guidance and help. Soon, there were four grandchildren: Austin and Travis (children of Frank); Nathan and Jennifer (children of Ann). For many years, their home in Garland was the focal point of many happy holidays, birthdays, and graduations. Both Richard and Cathy just loved hosting all the kids and grandkids.
Good parents and a stable home will change the lives of everyone in it. Richard & Cathy provided that loving environment for over 65 years and we cannot be grateful enough for it. Cathy had a very strong faith and lived her life to reflect those values and morals. There were many challenging times in their lives, but she persisted in the belief that God would carry her through the tough times, and indeed, He did. Her final wish was to remain in her own home as the end approached and she was able to do that. Her life of service to the health field and dedication to her family was admirable and we will all miss her. Rest in peace, Mom. Cathy is survived by her sons, John (Kay), Frank & Pat; daughter Carol (David Dixon) and four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Cathy was preceded by her husband Richard and daughter Ann.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Saturday, May 4, 2024 at St Edwards Catholic Church under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Rosary will be recited at 6pm Friday, May 3, 2024 at East Funeral Home-Downtown with visitation to follow.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhome.com.
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