Cathy Matherne Stechmann

On October 15, Cathy Matherne Stechmann, 73, a proud 9th Ward girl and longtime St. Bernard Parish resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and is now in her heavenly home with her son, Jacob.

Born on October 24, Cathy was New Orleans through and through and loved St. Maurice, where her roots ran deep. She grew up on St. Maurice St. and attended St. Maurice Elementary School.

She later graduated from St. Mary's Dominican High School, where she was a beloved member of "The Car"… her circle of best friends, her sisters in shenanigans. Those women remained her lifelong friends.

Cathy had an unmistakable laugh, the kind that made your whole soul smile. And she gave the best hugs that made you feel safe. She never met a stranger. Whether you'd known her for a lifetime or just walked in the door, you were family by the time you left.

Her personality was larger than life. Kind, effervescent, whimsical, funny, smart, yet delightfully ditzy. When she talked to you, she had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room. You could tell her anything and she wouldn't judge you. She'd just listen and love you through it.

She was strong-willed, hard-headed in the best way, and had a work ethic like nobody else.

Her world was her kids, her grandkids, and her dogs, who she adored and spoiled. Her daughters Jessica (Ryan) and Rebecca, her sons Jacob and Paul, and her grandchildren Amelia and Darion, who called her Grana, were her heart. She was always there for them no matter what.

Jessica was her first child, and the two of them fought like sisters but showed up for one another and loved each other beyond measure.

Cathy was Rebecca’s world, but also her disciplinary. While Cathy had to keep her second daughter in line, Becky could make her laugh like nobody else could. They had a special bond.

Jacob and Cathy would always have hour long conversations as he would drive home from work and would always ask for her special holiday recipes and signature dishes.

She was Paul's fiercest protector. For decades, they took care of each other.

Amelia was her first grandchild and their bond was unbreakable. She took Amelia every chance she could and helped foster Amelia’s love of New Orleans.

She was so proud when Darion joined the family and loved him deeply for being his unapologetic self.

She loved her son-in-law Ryan like her own son. She called him her “Tool Man”. They spent many of nights talking about music and the Saints long after Jessica went to bed.

Cathy cherished her trips with Amelia and Jacob. That time with them was sacred to her.

Cathy is also survived by her sister, Amanda Rombach(Don), and her brother, Kevin Matherne(Valerie). Her aunt Lynn who was raised like a sister. She also leaves behind her nieces, Emily and Caroline, and nephews, Eugene, Michael, Andrew, and Nick, along with godchildren, cousins, and many friends.

She was a damn good nurse. Nursing was never just a job, it was Cathy's calling. In 1973 she started as an Accident Room nurse at Charity Hospital, went on to work as a transplant coordinator and eventually moved to psychiatric nursing. She was honored with the Great 100 Nurse Award in 1998, and anyone who knew her knew it was well deserved. Her patients, especially her transplant patients, became her people. She worried about them, fought for them, loved them well beyond medicine.

Cathy also loved sports. She looked forward to Sundays and yelling at the Saints on TV or watching them in the Dome with Jake. If the Saints were losing she always lit a candle and dance around the room because she believed that would help them win.

Give her some Motown and she was dancing. Give her a good book and she'd disappear for hours. Loud, loyal, funny, big-hearted. That was Cathy.

Alzheimer's took pieces of her long before her family was ready, but it never took who she was, the love she gave, or her infectious laugh.

Now she's back with Jacob, and with her parents, Filbert and Joyce Matherne, who she missed so much.

Play some Motown, let the Saints win, and save us a dance. Who Dat forever. There will never be another you.

A Celebration of Cathy's life will be held Sunday, November 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buccaneer Villa Swim Club in Chalmette.