Our one-of-a-kind Catharine (Cathy) passed away February 15, 2025 at the age of 87 after a long life filled with deep faith, love and joy. Her radiant smile always lit up a room and her vivacious personality knew no strangers. She was always happy to see you, loved to answer the phone with "trick or treat", had many goofy expressions that were oh so addictive and she couldn't wait to hear YOUR story.
The sixth child of seven, Catharine devotion, pride and commitment to family was paramount as she loved & lived the mantra, WE ARE FAMILY!
In 1958, Catharine graduated from St. Mary's College with a degree in nursing and started her dedicated life of care and service to so many. She was a faithful, joyful servant, who worked tirelessly for all those who crossed her path in a nursing career that spanned 40+ years.
She was married to Eugene Hennessey from 1960 to 1981 and they were blessed with five beautiful children and 18 grandchildren. John Hennessey (Hope) and children JP, Emma Roys (Alex), Ryland (Riley), Cole (Kristal) and Savannah Kathleen Ann (infant daughter). Maureen Branstetter (Bruce) and children Maegan Phillips (Graham) and Reed. Michael Hennessey (Janelle and children Kateri, Grace, Olivia, Audrey, Mathias, Xavier, Liam and Kai. Marianne Gardner (Ted) and children Ben, Luke and Kate.
She deeply loved her children and grandchildren and was there for births, baptisms, graduations and weddings of so many of them. She was so excited to share the joy of four great grandchildren, Banks, Vivian, Poppy (Phillips and Kenneth (Roys).
Catharine married Gabriel Eckhart in 1987 sharing life together until his death in January 2024. They had a shared love for family and the recovery community of Kansas City. Catharine worked for decades helping those to overcome addictions and find God & better their lives.
She will be remembered by her family for her infectious laugh, love and tenacity, graciousness, kindness, faithfulness, simplicity and joy throughout all situations even in the midst of trials. "I choose joy" or "the joy of the Lord is my strength" was readily on her lips. She couldn't wait to meet a new friend while always making you feel important. Catharine is preceded in death by her parents Catharine and Ernest Straub, her siblings, Joseph, Ernest II, Patricia, Mary, Frank, her daughter Kathleen and her two husbands Gene and Gabriel. She is survived by her brother John.
Services will be Friday, March 7th at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W 119th Street, Leawood, Kansas. Visitation is 10:00 a.m. with a rosary at 11:10 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection is at 11:30 a.m. Luncheon to follow and all are welcome.
IIn lieu of flowers, friends may make a memorial contribution in honor of Catharine Straub to: Saint Therese Little Flower Parish, 5814 Euclid Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64130.
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and HIs courts will praise; give thanks to HIm and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations" Ps 100: 4-5