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Mary Cathleen “Cathy” Stephens
08/18/1953 — 02/09/2013
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in St. Helens, WA
Mary Cathleen “Cathy” Stephens
Mary Cathleen "Cathy" Stephens of West Richland passed away Saturday February 8, 2013 at home peacefully in her sleep, she was 59
Cathy was born August 18, 1953 at St. Helens Hospital in St. Helens, Oregon. She had lived in the Tri-Cities area for the last 30 years.
Cathy worked for Battelle as an Administrative Assistant for the last 20 years and she was very proud to have worked on some of the largest projects at Battelle, receiving many awards and commendations over the years.
She was a member of the LDS church and though did not attend church regularly she did find great strength and comfort in her faith.
She grew up in Scappoose, Oregon, where she spent most of her childhood with her grandparents Isaac and Hilda Ford. Cathy graduated from Scappoose High School in 1971, where she was a member of numerous clubs and also an athlete.
Cathy moved to the Tri-Cities area in the early 1980's as a single mother with two young children. While being a single parent and working full time she put herself thru Trend College. She also belonged to many organizations in the Tri-Cities including the High Desert Road Riders and the Gold Wing group, holding offices with both. Cathy also gave her time freely with charity organizations, especially if it had anything to do with animals and children.
She is survived by daughters Cherie Rock Broadway and Miranda Thomas, Sister Liz Cupp, Grandchildren Shanlyn, Dylan and Shyanne, Niece Morgin Cupp, Uncle and Aunt Mike and Joanne Ford, Step-dad Henry Baresh and longtime family friend Miles Jaeger.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents Isaac and Hilda Ford, Son-in-Law Mark Jaeger and Mother Mary Jane Baresh.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday February 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS building on Keene 3701 Watkins Way, West Richland
The family would like to thank all of mom's friends for their love and friendship. She truly loved and cherished all of her friends and co-workers
Dear Family, What a beautiful service for Cathy today. I am going to miss her greatly. She was a true friend and a Lady. She always made the best of any situation. Miranda, and family if you need anything, please call.
It was my pleasure to be able to work these past four years with Cathy. Cathy always felt there were better days ahead for her. God bless you all.
I’m sorry to hear this news about Cathy. I have good memories of riding and socializing with Cathy. My condolences to her family.
I will miss Cathy. She was always a cheerful face and bailed me out of trouble on numerous occasions.
I feel very blessed to have spent a bit of time with Cathy on February 8th for a hug and a “happy dance” in the hall way thinking about our belated lunch date we were going to set up. I will dearly miss our daily phone calls and visits about SLD program issues. So many wonderful adventures over the past 20 years here at PNNL – she is truly a PNNL crown jewel.
Though I didn’t know her well, Cathy was always kind and helpful for Second Line of Defense activities. From her life story and comments others have made here, it sounds like she made a big difference in a lot of peoples’ lives. How gratifying that hers was a life well-lived.
I’ll really miss Cathy. We worked together for many years. I loved her sense of humor. She could always get a smile out of me even on the worst days. She had a catchy smile and a great laugh.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
May we all find comfort and love in God’s grace and many blessings.
Miranda and family. Please know how heartily sorry I am to learn of Cathy’s passing. We worked at PNNL for many years. And what a privilege it was to know her; work beside her; and call her friend. Thought you might like to know that my own daughter’s name “Miranda” was decided upon after the wonderful story Cathy shared about how she picked your name. Cathy was one of the most loved people I knew at the Laboratory. She was an amazing soul who will be deeply missed. Hugs to all during what must be a very difficult time for all of you.
To Cathy’s family, your Mom was amazing! I met her four 1/2 years ago when I first started working at PNNL. She was one of the first Admins to say, “if I can help you with anything please let me know.” I took her up on her word and she never refused to help me. She was patient in teaching me the ropes, and she knew her stuff! I’m am going to truly miss her. May God shower His comfort and peace over your family. With a heavy heart, Miss El. :
I was shocked and sad to hear the news this week. I fondly remember having nice chats with her when our offices were close. She was a wonderful person and will be missed a lot.
Dear Family, What a beautiful service for Cathy today. I am going to miss her greatly. She was a true friend and a Lady. She always made the best of any situation. Miranda, and family if you need anything, please call.
It was my pleasure to be able to work these past four years with Cathy. Cathy always felt there were better days ahead for her. God bless you all.
I’m sorry to hear this news about Cathy. I have good memories of riding and socializing with Cathy. My condolences to her family.
I will miss Cathy. She was always a cheerful face and bailed me out of trouble on numerous occasions.
I feel very blessed to have spent a bit of time with Cathy on February 8th for a hug and a “happy dance” in the hall way thinking about our belated lunch date we were going to set up. I will dearly miss our daily phone calls and visits about SLD program issues. So many wonderful adventures over the past 20 years here at PNNL – she is truly a PNNL crown jewel.
Though I didn’t know her well, Cathy was always kind and helpful for Second Line of Defense activities. From her life story and comments others have made here, it sounds like she made a big difference in a lot of peoples’ lives. How gratifying that hers was a life well-lived.
I’ll really miss Cathy. We worked together for many years. I loved her sense of humor. She could always get a smile out of me even on the worst days. She had a catchy smile and a great laugh.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
May we all find comfort and love in God’s grace and many blessings.
Miranda and family. Please know how heartily sorry I am to learn of Cathy’s passing. We worked at PNNL for many years. And what a privilege it was to know her; work beside her; and call her friend. Thought you might like to know that my own daughter’s name “Miranda” was decided upon after the wonderful story Cathy shared about how she picked your name. Cathy was one of the most loved people I knew at the Laboratory. She was an amazing soul who will be deeply missed. Hugs to all during what must be a very difficult time for all of you.
To Cathy’s family, your Mom was amazing! I met her four 1/2 years ago when I first started working at PNNL. She was one of the first Admins to say, “if I can help you with anything please let me know.” I took her up on her word and she never refused to help me. She was patient in teaching me the ropes, and she knew her stuff! I’m am going to truly miss her. May God shower His comfort and peace over your family. With a heavy heart, Miss El. :
I was shocked and sad to hear the news this week. I fondly remember having nice chats with her when our offices were close. She was a wonderful person and will be missed a lot.
How extremely sorry I was to hear of Cathy’s passing. Cathy and I have been close friends for over 30 years and I was priviledged to be able to car pool with her from Yakima to Tri-cities during the time she lived here in Yakima. She was a very strong woman who had nobly gone through many trials and hardships and I had and still have the unmost respect for her. She loved life and loved her children more than they may ever realize. I really appreciated her sense of humor and seeing the funny side of many of life’s hardships. She was one of my best friends and I will really miss her. There are just not enough people like Cathy around and the world suffers a loss when we lose one. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I was so saddened to hear about Cathy’s passing. She was my hall buddy at Battelle. I always enjoyed our chats. She was full of sunshine and had such a kind heart. We might have been talking about something quite trivial, but those few moments brightened my day. I will miss her dearly.
Dearest Cathy,
You are going to be so greatly missed! You were a wonderful mentor to me -work will not be the same without you. RIP.
Abby Foster
I met Cathy a few years ago and she was always an upbeat and funny lady. We enjoyed chats in the lunchroom and several times, she was able to assist with unusual requests when I got stuck on something. I was especially surprised that she was quite a “fix it” person and LOVED her table saw… doing nearly all of the repairs, flooring and painting inside herself…something I could never imagine doing! My deepest sympathy to her daughter, Miranda, who I had the opportunity to meet. She will be greatly missed in this life.
Cathy was just amazing. No matter how busy she was she could always take on just one more thing and solve a problem for you. There are very few like her and she will be sorely missed.
I will miss looking down the hall and seeing you in your office. It was a pleasure working with you. Project LInus of Tri – Cities also bids you farewell and thank you for your contributions to our charity.
God Bless you and your family,
Tracy Holland-Rabon
PNNL PMOD Admin.
Miranda, I am so sorry for your loss. We all will miss Cathy so much. No matter how she struggled with her health, she always had a positive attitude and tried to be very optimistic about the future. Always remember your mom loved you very much.
Such a loss! Cathy and I shared a chuckle or an outright laugh nearly every day about something. I will miss her voice, but especially her smile. There are too few who give so willingly and so well as Cathy. I pray that the Comforter will hold you, her family, in His loving arms and give you peace as you grieve. Hopefully, seeing how much she was loved will be of some comfort to you.
I worked with Cathy for several years at PNNL. She was always very helpful; and went out of her way to be cheery and nice. My prayers are with her family and friends at this time.
My sincere condolences to Cathy’s family and friends. She was a class-act and will be deeply missed by her “extended family” of friends and colleagues. Cathy and I shared many a chuckle over many years of knowing each other. I will miss her very much.
Dear Miranda & Family, I’m so sorry to hear the news of the sudden loss of your mom, Cathy, our friend. It’s been over 20 years ago when I met your mom at work, here at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory PNNL. Cathy & I have met after work and have gone to dinners together; we have chatted through the years; & have laughed over many things in life. She was a wonderful person and we are so going to miss her! I know Cathy is in a beautiful place and rest assured she is not suffering. Miranda, I want you to know that your mom talked of you often and she loved you so much. God Bless you and your family. Diana soper
We will miss you Cathy! Bless you and your family.
I am so sad to hear of Cathy’s passing, She was a great person, She will be remembered with great affection.
I did not know Cathy for a long time, but when I met her, it felt like I had. She always made everyone feel welcome and part of her team. I hope for comfort for Cathy’s family, and I am proud to have know such a lovely lady.
Cherie and Miranda, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I always enjoyed running into her at work and when we were out! She was a great person. I will keep you and your families in my prayers.
My sympathies to Cathy’s family. Cathy was a great friend of mine when we attended Scappoose High School all those many years ago. Although we lost touch over the years, I have always remembered Cathy with love and affection as one of my best high school buddies. Rest in Peace. Your friend, always, Sherri
Cathy was a true friend to many people. I was so lucky to be one of them. I miss her dearly already.
Cathy was truly an asset to us here at PNNL. She always did a wonderful job on whatever she did. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and very contagious. We will definitely miss her. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Miranda, and all your family during this difficult time. If you need anything or we can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to call us.
My heart is heavy over the loss of our dear coworker and friend, Cathy. She was a beautiful woman inside and out…a true blessing in all of our lives. I will never forget her and am thankful I had the privilege to be in her life.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4
Cathy was always warm and welcoming. I will miss our small chats, her kind spirit and seeing her in the halls every day.
The world is a little bit darker this week with the passing of our dear friend and colleague. Cathy was one of the most unselfish, caring and authentic people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her positive attitude and wonderfully gregarious personality, even in times of adversity, was inspirational to us all. Cathy was a very special lady that had a profoundly positive impact on my life. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to be a small part of her life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cathy’s family and many friends.
I will always remember Cathy as being one of the most honest people I knew. She was not afraid to say what she felt. She was my ‘twin’ as we had the same birthday and shared it on several occasions. She will be missed.
We shared a love of motorcycling and a kinship with our Gold Wing friends. Cathy will be missed.
I only had the pleasure of working with Cathy for a few years at PNNL but in those few years I got to know an awesome lady. She was always smiling and always had a positive attitude no matter what the situation was. Anytime I had a question or needed any kind of help she was more than willing. What a wonderful person. I know she is dearly missed by all! God bless your family during this difficult time.
Cathy served as my treasurer while I was the Chapter Director of Goldwing Road Riders Association. Cathy was a hard worker and was always willing to do what was asked and even more. She was loved by everyone in our group and will be forever remembered.
Cathy was a dear friend that shared my love of motorcycles. She was my 1st friend at Battelle and she taught me so very much. Everyone that knew her loved her dearly. The one comfort in her loss is that she took a piece of each of us with her.
Worker extraordinaire, good friend, fellow dog lover – so many memories and confidences shared. But the greatest memory of all was her determination and good humor in spite of all the adversities that came her way.
I first met Cathy years ago through her daughter and son-in-law as Mark battled with cancer. Since that time we have had many interactions. Cathy was my admin for the PDCF project at PNNL for several years and I enjoyed her friendship for many years as we worked together. Her grandson and my son were on a gymnastics team together and I would see her at the gym meets. Through all of these things I enjoyed her kindness and happy disposition. I will miss her.
During my time in NSD, Cathy was the sunshine of my morning and the inspiration for my day. She had such a joy and zest for life, and never missed an opportunity to have fun, experience a new adventure, or give back to those in need. She will be greatly missed!! Sending many healing thoughts and prayers to her family.
Miranda, I was at the doctor’s office yesterday and heard about the passing of your mother. Although I did not know her, i know you and she must have been an awesome lady as she raised such an awesome daughter. My prayers are with you and your sister during this difficult time. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself. She would want that.
Cathy,
My heart is heavy. My prayers go out to you, Miranda and your family. I am sure you have found a bike up there in heaven somewhere and have already taken a ride over the rainbow. Love to you my friend.
I had the pleasure of working with Cathy a number of years ago and she was always very upbeat and outgoing. She made my job much easier and when she moved on we always enjoyed running into each other around the Lab. I have a similar interst in motorcycles and that kept a special bond between us. She will be greatly missed and is a true loss for PNNL, her fellow workers and her family. I hope that she has found peace where she is now.
Guestbook for
Mary Cathleen “Cathy” Stephens