Catherine Viola (Hands) Sousa

Catherine Viola (Hands) Sousa, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. An only child, Catherine was born on January 15, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Bernard and Dorothy Hands. She spent her summers as a river lifeguard and with her best and life-long friend Jean Ann Cronin (deceased).

While attending Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, New York, she met and married Mark Sousa, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Over their long marriage, they travelled the world together before ultimately settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mark and Catherine raised a son and a daughter together, but Catherine’s love for children also led her to her role as an elementary school paraprofessional in Harrison District No. 2. She was always a dog person and found a place in her heart and home for many – from rescue dogs to service dogs – throughout her life. She was extremely proud of, and loved to spend time with, her two children and her three grandsons. Mark and Catherine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 29, 2023 at their favorite restaurant and home away from home, Edelweiss German Restaurant.

Catherine is survived by her husband Maj. Mark W. Sousa (Ret.), her son Mark T. Sousa, and her daughter Jessica C. Stieber as well as her husband Travis and their three sons Tate, Burke, and Daschel.

A service to honor Catherine will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Memories, 829 S. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. All are welcome.