Catherine M. Short

Catherine Mary Short, 94, was born in Baltimore, MD and died July 3, 2021. Catherine is predeceased by her parents John and Frances and sisters Elizabeth and Madeline. Her childhood home was a Catholic parish gathering place with neighbors and priests for Friday evening crab feasts. Summers were spent on the Chesapeake Bay, Ocean City, MD and the Jersey Shore.

Catherine met her husband David Short at a Ft. Meade, MD Army dance during the Korean War and they married in 1951 in St. Wenceslaus Church in Baltimore.

Catherine and David moved to Rockville, IN, Ft. Worth, TX and Louisville, KY before settling in Beech Grove for David's career with Huber, Hunt and Nichols (Hunt Construction). Catherine was presented a Hunt distinguished award for dedication, loyalty and sacrifice in support of David's 38 year career.

Catherine gave birth to five children in the 50's, John, Margaret, Kathleen, Daniel and Patricia. She lived her life for her children by volunteer roles at Holy Name Catholic School, Cathedral, St. Agnes and Our Lady of Grace then on to Notre Dame, Xavier, John Carroll and Dayton. She was a substitute teacher at Holy Name, Brownie and Girl Scout leader and enjoyed Mothers Clubs, church festivals and fundraisers. Whatever the priests, brothers or nuns asked, she managed with enthusiasm.

She was active in civic, cultural and church affairs including Democrat Party precinct leader, Guardian Angel and Ave Maria Guild, Great Books Program and for the Sisters of Our Lady of Grace and her neighborhood home association. After raising her children, Catherine served as HR Director for Sears Customer Service and Customer Relations for H&R Block.

Along with holiday, arts and sports travel to be with grandchildren and great grandchildren in Chicago, Washington, DC and Indianapolis, she hosted annual summer beach reunions in Ocean City, MD and Avalon, NJ. She taught her family to enjoy the sun, surf, Maryland crabs and beach bocce ball and how to eat a proper Philly cheese steak and pizza pie safely under the beach umbrella to avoid diving seal gulls. She encouraged her family with "I Hope You Dance" (Lee Ann Womack) and at bedtime "angels on your pillows."

The love of Catherine's life, David, died November 2020 at age 96. Mom is survived by her devoted children, John, Peg (John Bisbikis), Kathleen, Dan and Patty (Thom Ebner). Nana is survived by ten cheering grandchildren. Colleen (Brandon), Johnny (Maura), Ellen (Sam), James (Rocio), Emily (Brendon), AJ, David (Katy), Tim (Heather), Maggie and Danny and nine great grandchildren with #10 expected soon.

Catherine's family thanks Dr. Pat Enright and all of Franciscan Health, along with her home caregivers led by JoEllen with Hannah and others. A band of priests, nuns and friends joined her often in prayer and her special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

A private family funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Gifts to Sisters of St. Benedict are welcome. Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, IN 46107. Memories may be shared at www.littleandsonsindianapolis.com for the Short family.