Catherine J. Croke
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John K. Stake will officiate. Cremation will follow the traditional service.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Seven decades ago in mid-winter in Whitefish Bay, Catherine became the first child of Douglas and Marcella Cooper. A few years later, with her little brother Mark in tow, the family moved to Mequon, at the time a rural, northern suburb of Milwaukee. There, Cathy developed her love of nature and wild critters. After graduating from Homestead High School, she achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, later attained a Master’s degree, and began a career as a juvenile probation officer for Milwaukee County. Although she worked with some of the toughest kids from the roughest parts of the city, they respected her honesty and attention and willingness to listen, and many of them kept in contact with her years afterwards.
On an extraordinarily beautiful 30th day of April, she married Tom and they began married life together in Wauwatosa. In 1991, they bought a piece of land Cathy referred to as her ‘enchanted forest’ and built a Thoreau size cabin in Adams County where they spent most every weekend and many vacations. When she retired in 1995, they built a home on the land, allowing Cathy to permanently return to her love of wildlife. Her love of nature extended to the bluebird trails she established as well as acquainting herself with (and giving funny names to) the deer, turkeys, squirrels, foxes and other critters. She loved to explore the fauna and flora and took to vegetable and flower gardening with a passion.
Cathy involved herself thoroughly in a community she loved, becoming a certified firefighter, first responder, and president of the New Chester Volunteer Fire Department. She also worked for a time as a legal assistant, one of the first Adams County Community Services Coordinators, the emergency government coordinator for the Town of New Chester, a member of the Adams County Board of Adjustment, and authored a section of the Adams County Centennial book.
Cathy immersed herself in every endeavor she signed onto, creating lasting friendships with almost everyone she met. One of the finest compliments paid is that a person’s life was well lived. In that measure, Cathy excelled. She will be missed deeply, and never forgotten.
Cathy’s mother and father predeceased her. She is survived by her loving husband and co-adventurist, Tom; her brother Mark Cooper; and her beloved but troublesome dog, Murfy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Adams County Animal Shelter in Cathy’s name.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
I just heard of Cathy passing. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Sorry for your loss, Cathy was a wonderful person and a great classmate at homestead.
Dear Tom,
I am sorry for your loss. My condolences to you. God bless.
Tammy Pieper and family
Dear Tom,
So sorry to hear this! You have our deepest sympathy. It was always fun to talk to Cathy at the Nickel! Hold on to the memories!
Dale & Patti Rhinehart
Tom we are sorry for your loss may your wife be at peace the Ballog family
Tom, so sorry for your loss. Cathy will be missed by many in the community, but none so much as by you. God bless.
like i said last nite Jeff and I are sorry for you’re loss
Tom,
I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a special person with a feisty personality. I enjoyed working with her over the years.
Tom we are so sorry for you. We didnt know Cathy, but we want to give you our sincere condolences.
Tom, so sorry for you loss
Sorry for your loss
Tom,
You are in our thoughts and prayers Cathy was a great person as are you! Our deepest condolences!!
Mike & Paula Fenner
May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family…She was a grand lady and we will miss her smiles especially at the town board meetings…
My most deepest and heart felt sympathies go out to you and your family, she will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss Tom. My dad was very fond of Cathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
The Lord must have needed a hero I agree with His choice but not with His timing,,,I will not be able to pay my last respects but she will always be in her special place in my heart
So sorry for your loss! May she Rest In Peace.
Our sincere condolences Tom. May you find comfort in all of your beautiful memories.
I did not know Cathy, but happened to see her obituary in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and I was so very moved by it. What a beautiful tribute to someone who was clearly a remarkable woman. I am so sorry for her husband, family and friends.
Tom and Family, you have our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your cherished loved one. She was an amazing person!
Tom and family. So sorry to hear about your loss. She will be sadly missed.
Sorry sorry for your loss Tom. May God be with you. Cathy was one terrific LADY.
So sorry for your loss. Always smiling and joyfull. She will be dearly missed. Dolly and Bill Parr
We are so very sorry to hear this; our deepest sympathy to Tom at this sad time.
Few people make as big a difference as you did my friend. I will miss you always.
Tom,
So sorry for your loss…
Our deepest sympathy to you, Tom. Cathy was such a kind person and will truly be missed my many.
Thoughts and Prayers are with you Tom. So sorry for your loss!!
Our condolences Tom, Cathy gave her all to everything she loved. She always had that positive outlook in life. Out prayers are with you.
Tom,
My deepest sympathy. Cathy was a terrific woman and she will be missed by so many. She touched so many lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cathy will be missed dearly in the community.
Tom, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your special lady. May you find strength in the days ahead and find solace in the fact she was loved and will be missed by so many. Rog and Ellen Chambers
Tom:
My thoughts and feelings are with you. Cathy will be missed.
Tom, sending my deepest sympathy at your time of sorrow .
Tom, sorry for your loss Cathy was a great person.
Jane and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to you, Tom on your loss of Cathy. Her love for “critters” and her smile was legendary. We will miss her.
Tom, my deepest sympathy over the loss of your wife. Such an amazing woman that gave so much to so many. May she rest in peace and your love and memories help you get through this.
Cathy was such a force for goodness and joy in this world, her laughter ringing out wherever she went. We will miss her and we are thinking of you, Tom. If there wasnt a book club in the next life before, there will be one now!
Our deepest sympathy Tom & Murfy for your loss of Cathy (& all the critters she cherished). She will be deeply missed by all who’s lives she touched.
So sorry for your loss Tom
Our thoughts and prayers to you Tom.
So sorry to hear such sad news, Cathy was such a happy and friendly person, my deepest sympathy to you!!!
Tom, My deepest sympathy so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.
Spread your wings and fly high like the Angel you are Cathy. You will be greatly missed but we are happy you’re no longer in pain.
My deepest sympathies Tom. Cathy was a pleasure to work with. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God has gained a truly special Angel. ..
Adams County was so fortunate to have Tom and Cathy adopt the area as their home years ago. We lost a strong, wonderful woman this morning. We are thankful to have been blessed with her friendship. Tom, we are so sorry for your loss. You were a faithful, supportive partner to her.
Tom; our deepest sympathy on your loss and cherish the memories that were made through out the years.
TOM- On behalf of the New Chester Fire Department we offer our sincere sympathy to you.
The numerous things Cathy did at the department are too many to list-we will miss our
sister/friend/president of New Chester Fire Department.
Dennis Leist-chief
The membership @ New Chester Fire and Rescue Department
We will miss our dear friend Cathy, from Friday night fish frys where I always sat next to you. And the shopping trips with Janis were always a great time. You, our dear friend, we will miss you. Until we meet again.
So sorry for your loss Tom.
Tom, we have lost someone special, she was loving and loyal, giving of herself to others. She made her mark on this world and leaves us behind. We know that she is in a better place and we have to be grateful for the days we had with her.
So sorry to hear of your loss of Cathy. May God Bless you & family
& comfort you. Rest In Peace…Cathy.
Tom- So sorry for your loss. Cathy will be missed more than words can say at the New Chester Fire Department.
She was such a loving, strong woman, with a huge heart for anything to do with nature!
I’m sure you and Murfy will have many nights that you will think of her and just go for a long walk.
Our thoughts are with you.Dennis and Mary Leist
Friday night fish fries will never be quite the same without Cathy.
Our deepest sympathies.
Tom….I did not know your beloved Cathy but I am very saddened to hear of her loss. May the great love and respect of family and friends wrap their arms around you and give you love and peace.
Our deepest sympathy Tom.
So sorry to hear this, Tom. You are in our prayers.
Cathy was an amazing person who we were always glad to see when we came back to Wisconsin. Our thoughts are with you Tom….we will miss her.
Tom;We are very very sorry to hear of the passing of Cathy, she sure was a beautiful lady inside and out, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers be with you, Tom. You must have a treasure trove of precious memories that I hope will bring you joy and comfort. The world is a more beautiful place for Cathy having been in it. Lovely, lovely human being. Peace be with you.
Tom and family and friends of Cathy there never are the proper words to say to someone who has had some one so beautiful inside and out move on to a better place. Knowing you Tom we know you made her life heaven on earth. May God and your friends love be always with you.
Dan Gurin and Pat Jodarski
Tom,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a wonderful person and I enjoyed knowing her. I hope you find peace in the many beautiful memories you two made.
An amazing lady. Happy to have had the chance to know her. Rest In Peace. Heart goes out to Tom and family.
May Cathy find joy in the many critters that were waiting at the other side of the rainbow bridge. Rest in peace, Cathy. To Tom, may you find comfort in the many memories that you and Cathy made. God bless and walk with you.
Cathy was as kind and generous as they come. She always looked out for me. I will miss her.
My deepest sympathy for your loss Tom.
We are so truly and deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
A lover of nature protecting and caring for God’s creations. What a fine community leader in Cathy, loved by many – respected by all! Words cannot do justice for the respect we have for Cathy, however let it be said that the world and this community has been made just a little bit better with Cathy in it. Our deepest condolences to you Tom, may she now rest in peace!
Tom,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and Cathy constantly these last few months. I realize she’s at peace but she will be sorely missed.
Take care
We are so sorry to hear of Cathy”s passing. Peace be with you.
Our deepest condolances.
So very sorry for your loss…what a beautiful, kind woman! Hugs & Prayers..
Tom,
My heart goes out to you, Cathy will be truly missed. I always looked forward to working with Cathy or attending an event that she was at. We had many good laughs that I will treasure.
We will truly miss you and know you will be watching Samantha grow from heaven. You and Tom have been a blessing on our lives and your smile will never be forgotten. We love you, Tom, and our thoughts are with you and Murfy.
Our beautiful friend. We will miss you.
Cathy rest in peace. May God family and friends comfort you. You will be missed