WHITESELL, Catherine E. (Maher) 1924-2006
WHITESELL, MAHER, MCCAFFEREY, MAGSAMEN, CRAWFORD, KOUTNIK
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/29/2015 at 23:48:56
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Wednesday, October 4, 2006]
WATERLOO - Catherine E. Whitesell was born Feb. 10, 1924, in Waterloo. She was one of 12 children born to Michael Joseph Maher and Katherine Elizabeth (McCafferey) Maher.
She passed away at home on Oct. 1, 2006, after a lengthy illness. She will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew her as a strong and vibrant woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling.
Catherine was married to Therald John Whitesell for many years.
She is survived by her two daughters, Carmelita (Maurice) Magsamen of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Kathryn (John) Crawford of Independence; and her son, John Whitesell of Laguna Vista, Texas. Her sister, Della Koutnik of Woodburn, Ore., also survives her. Catherine was blessed with six grandchildren, John Magsamen of Cloverdale, Calif., Anna (David) Sierra of El Dorado Hills, Calif., Theresa (Ray) Plyler of Folsom, Calif., Carmen (Mike) Whitney of Center Point, Renee (Joel) Nelson of Independence and Aaron Whitesell of Dallas, Texas. She also enjoyed spending her later years with her nine great-grandchildren.
Catherine always lived life to the fullest. As a young woman, she exhibited her characteristic strength when she worked in a munitions plant and took care of her infant daughter while Therald bravely served in World War II. She also worked at Rath Packing Co. for 17 years. Later she worked for many years as office manager for medical clinics and in retirement volunteered her time at a hospital. She loved to travel, and took trips to Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. She was an excellent cook and seamstress and enjoyed getting together with friends for lively card games and luncheons.
Even though she slowed down in her last few months of life, Catherine never lost her lively spirit and ability to make those around her laugh. She was a huge "Law and Order" fan, always kept her beautiful gray hair perfectly styled, and wisely understood that chocolate is one of life's sweetest indulgences best enjoyed as often as possible. She will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of all those she leaves behind, and will be remembered best for her wisdom, wit and indomitable spirit.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball, with burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Public visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour before the service at the chapel.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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