Ruth Ann Catalogna

Ruth Ann Catalogna, age 75, a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022 surrounded by close family in Houston, Texas. She was born May 18, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio.

Ruth was a retired Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Licensed Social Worker. She graduated from St. Cecilia High School in Columbus, Ohio and the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. Ruth served as a Religious Science of Mind Practitioner at the Creative Life Spiritual Center in Spring, Texas, where she also fulfilled the roles of nursery school teacher, blood and food drive coordinator, and adult learning educator. Ruth spent her life serving others—as a parent, mentor, spiritual leader, and friend to people of all ages, and also in her work with women’s shelters, hospice, and aging adults. She will be remembered for her strong will—guided by love and a deep care for others, courage, and optimism.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Cecilia Schwind; brothers, Anthony Schwind, Walter Schwind, Joseph Schwind, and William Schwind, Jr.; and sister, Lena M. "Nicki" Cross.

She is survived by her sister, Maxine Schwind Gail; lifelong partner and dearest friend, Carthel Smejkal; sons, Alfie Mahmoud, Wally Mahmoud, and Joey Mahmoud; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and countless other family and friends.

Ruth’s family will hold a private ceremony Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery; and there will be a Celebration of Life on February 11, 2023 for all those who loved her (details forthcoming). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Creative Life Spiritual Center in Spring, Texas at https://www.creativelife.org/.

Please share your fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy for Ruth's family at forestparkthewoodlands.com.

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.