Cathleen Diane Klaass

With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of our dearest Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, Cathleen Diane (Malec) Klaass on February 18th, 2025. She went peacefully on her journey to heaven after a health battle incident to aging.

Cathy was born in Detroit, Michigan in June of 1946. She moved to the Cleveland, Ohio area during her elementary years. She attended Shaw High School in east Cleveland where she met a football player named Fred Klaass. They married just six months after high school graduation and moved to Nashville. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1976, where they would make a home for more than twenty years.

As a mother of nine children, she devoted so much of her energy, love, and work at home. She would create clothing, cookies, and savory meals that were so divine. Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated to the nines! She was interested in medical science and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in her forties. She served her clients wholeheartedly and loved serving the elderly!

She was known for her spirited voice, dancing, acting, singing, and pranks on our Dad! She enjoyed the arts and movie theatres immensely. She could read a book in one sitting and had an immense library that held her favorites, such as Gone With the Wind! She had a little sparkle of Scarlett O'Hara in her that reminded us of her Irish roots.

She is survived by her children, Christine Smith, Peter Klaass (Aiza), Laurie Klaass, Julie Westover (CJ), Jason Klaass, Lise Klaass, and Andrew Klaass; siblings, Jeff Malec (Andrea) of Pennsylvania and Laura Malec of Ohio. She was extremely proud of her 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Gloria Malec; brother, Michael Malec and her dear sons, Stephen Klaass and Philip Klaass.

She loved deeply and supported her family with all her strength. We will miss her dearly as a constant voice of support and listening to us like only a mother can. We all love you and we will see you again! "After all, tomorrow is another day."