Obituary for Catherine Kaufman

Catherine Kaufman 80, of 350 Dublin Dr., Iowa City, died Thursday, July 26, 2007 at Manor Care Health Services in Cedar Rapids, following a short illness. Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday at City Park, Iowa City, Shelter No 4 between the swimming pool and softball fields. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa. Survivors include her children, Connie (Gerry) McCrudden of Raleigh, North Carolina, Glenn (Laura) Smith of Long Grove, Iowa, Jim (Edna) Kaufman of Raleigh, North Carolina, Kris (Jack Hanrahan) Smith of Columbia, South Carolina, Suzanne (Dave) Rasdal of Cedar Rapids, Kevin Kaufman of Iowa City, and Andy (Denise) Kaufman of Detroit, Michigan, six grandchildren, Quinn and Landon Smith, Megan, Lauren, and Erin Higgins, and Robert Watters, and a great-granddaughter Liberty Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jean Hall. Cathie was born December 5, 1926 in Buffalo, New York, to Judson and Frances Dwyer Hall. She firmly believed in higher education, earning an associates degree from Kirkwood Community College at the age of 57. She was an administrative assistant in pediatrics for the Iowa Services for Crippled Children in the 1970’s and for Fred Woodard, acting director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, in the 1980s. She was also an excellent writer. Cathie was loved and respected by all of her children and grandchildren who relied on her intuition and intelligence for lifelong advice. She was always there for them to mend a torn skirt or to comfort them in hurt or sorrow with open arms and her soothing words, “Woosha, woosha, woosha.” Her children and grandchildren thought of her often, arranging a surprise gathering last year to help Cathie celebrate her 80th birthday with cake and balloons, friends, and laughter, and heartfelt thank-yous and well-wishes. Cathie loved to swim for fun and exercise. She could often be found on her porch swing enjoying warm summer days while working on crossword puzzles or reading another book. If she had an addiction, it was to chocolate and spearmint candies. She made everyone feel welcome in her home and gave generously to a variety of charities. Everyone will miss hearing Cathie’s strong opinions, high-pitched laugh and the pride she showed in her family’s successes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Cathie''s name.