Catherine Margaret Josephine (Frisz) Conrady
Terre Haute, Indiana
Catherine Margaret Josephine (Frisz) Conrady
In loving memory of a life well-lived and deeply cherished. Catherine had a truly creative and vibrant soul.
Obituary
Catherine Margaret Josephine Conrady, a woman of sharp wit, boundless ambition, and an adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at Providence Health Care at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. She was 93.
Born on Mother’s Day in 1932, Catherine’s life was colored by a unique childhood at The Shades State Park, managed by her father, Fabian Frisz. These formative years among the trees alongside her sisters Barbara, Elizabeth, and Cece, instilled in her a lifelong love for Indiana’s natural beauty. After attending Immaculate Conception Academy in Oldenburg—where she famously and fiercely competed with her sister Barbara for the best grades—Catherine set her sights on the world.
She moved to Chicago to attend the prestigious Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, harboring dreams of high-powered careers and global travel. Her ambition led her to the CIA in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the head of the French department, often recalling the high-stakes environment where even typewriter ribbons had to be locked away at night.
It was in D.C. that Catherine’s life took a romantic turn. At the suggestion of a classmate, she looked up a handsome Naval Academy midshipman named Denis Conrady. Faced with a choice between her CIA career and a life with Denis, she chose love. They were married just after Christmas in 1954, beginning a 60-year journey that took them across the United States and the world.
While raising her children, Denise and David, in Florida, Ohio, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Texas, Catherine never stopped growing. She balanced secretarial work with evening classes in French and art. When the family settled in North Texas, she turned her "hobby" into a profession, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from NTSU the same year her daughter graduated high school. She founded her shop, Designs for Today, and through perseverance became one of Denton’s most successful designers, proving to herself and to her younger classmates that she was a force to be reckoned with.
In 1987, Catherine followed her heart back to Indiana, purchasing a Victorian shotgun house in Terre Haute in need of renovation. She spent years meticulously transforming it into her "dream house" on South Center Street, eventually moving back permanently in 2006. She became a pillar of the Terre Haute community, active in the Historical Society and the Newcomers Society, where her decorating talents and leadership earned her the "Newcomer of the Year" honors.
In her later years, Catherine finally achieved her dream of seeing the world. Alongside Denis and her sisters, she cruised the globe—from the Baltic Sea and the Danube to China, Australia, and the southern tip of South America.
Catherine is survived by her daughter, Denise; her son, David (Catherine); grandsons Thomas (Chris) and Alexandre (Melanie); and five great-grandchildren: Bruce, Luke, Isa, Ivy, and Jack. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Denis and her sisters.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be treasured by her family, friends, and community.
Timeline
1932
May 10th
Catherine was born
Apparently she was born on Mother’s Day!
Terre Haute, Indiana
1938
The Shades
Catherine’s father’s family owned the shades until they sold it to the state in the 40’s. Catherine grew up spending lots of time ‘working’ the shades, selling concessions and managing the bowling alley.
The Shades State Park
1949
July
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Frisz Dies
The third daughter of Fabian and Catherine May Frisz, sister to Barbara, Catherine & Cece dies in a car accident at age 15.
1950
Oldenburg Academy High school graduation
Catherine attended the Immaculate Conception Academy at Oldenburg (Indiana) with her older sister Barbara and Joan Conrady who would become her sister in law. She didn’t know it at the time. She often tells the story of all the girls drooling over Joan’s handsome brother who would attend important events at Oldenburg. She also says the first time she saw Denis, he was wearing a dress. She was of course referring to Denis’s cassock. He was attending St Meinrad Seminary to become a priest!
Oldenburg Indiana
1952
Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School
Catherine was ambitious! She said the Gibbs school was the best in the country for learning to be an administrative assistant.
Chicago
1953
The three remaining Frisz Sisters lose their mother
Catherine’s mother “Katie” passes away a year before her wedding.
1953
Catherine works for the CIA!
She had a security clearance and had to lock up her typewriter ribbons at night!
1954
December 27th
Winter Wedding
Catherine and Denis are wed. They celebrate their honeymoon at Niagara Falls. Then Denis takes off for his first Air Force assignment in Alaska. He used to show the kids photos of Russia (he was stationed near the Bering Strait.) Needless to say, Denis and Catherine lived their first year of marriage apart!
Terre Haute Indiana
1956
Loss of first child
Denis & Catherine first boy is born prematurely and doesn’t survive 48 hours
Boston Massachusetts
1960
September 24th
Denise is born
Denise likes the fact that she was born at Cape Canaveral! Catherine says Denise was NOT named after Denis.
Patrick AFB, Florida
1962
June 11th
David is born
David lives in Florida for a whole 6 weeks!
Patrick AFB, Florida
1962
July
The Conrady family moves to Cleveland, Ohio
The Conrady family moves to Cleveland Ohio so that Denis can work on his PHD. Catherine talks about how small the house was, the fact that Denis wanted to work at home and how the kitchen had only one drawer!
1964
The Conrady family moves to The Air Force Academy, Colorado
Denis is the first professor to teach computer science there.
1970
The Conrady family moves to Colorado Springs
They buy a house and live off base for the first time, thinking that Denis would be stationed there for awhile…
1971
The Conradys move to Lexington, Massachusetts
After only one year in Colorado Springs, the family is uprooted unexpectedly and Denis is stationed at Hanscom Field.
1972
Denis retires from the Air Force
The family moves to Denton, Texas and Denis starts teaching at NTSU. Catherine enrolls at NTSU
1976
French Exchange Student
The Conradies receive their first exchange student for the 1976/77 academic school year. Caroline Duboc is from Le Havre France.
1977
Second exchange student
The Conradies receive their second foreign exchange student for the 1977/78 school year. Her name was Seija Helimaki and she was from Finland. This began the Conradies love of that little known country. Seija is from Helsinki.
1978
May
A College Graduation for Catherine
Catherine obtains her bachelors degree in Interior Design from what was then called NTSU, now called UNT. She gets her degree the same year Denise graduates from High School. (Denise then takes off for a year in a small village in south France)
Denton Texas
1978
August
Exchange student #3
The Conradys receive a second Finnish exchange student for the 1978/79 school year. His name is Antti Kanervisto. Antti is from Turku, Finland and was a competitive pistol shooter.
1979
Catherine travels to France
She fulfills a life long dream of traveling to a country that she loves. She got to see Paris, the south of France, and Corsica (where Caroline Duboc’s family had a summer house) She even got to sleep on some cardboard in front of the Nice train station with her family and witness a lover’s quarrel in the middle of the night. Stuff for the movies!
1980
Designs for Today
Catherine starts her business
Denton, Texas
1984
David marries Cathy
Catherine’s son David marries his Alsatian sweetheart Catherine Demange in a fairytale Alsatian wedding.
1987
Dream House Purchase
Catherine’s sister Cece loses her husband Bob very suddenly. When Catherine and Barbara encourage Cece to buy a little house in Terre Haute so as to spend time there with Barbara, for a pittance, Catherine purchases the house next store to the house Cece buys. It becomes her little Victorian dream house.
Terre Haute
1987
March
Catherine's first grandson Thomas is born
Beacon NY
1990
July 2nd
Catherine's second grandson Alexandre is born
Beacon NY
2003
April
Sold Texas house & moved to Terre Haute Permanently
Between 1987 and 2003, Denis and Catherine went back and forth between their homes in Denton, Texas and Terre Haute, Indiana. Once Denis won his 10th gold medal with the Vocal Majority Barbershop Chorus, Catherine convinced him it was time to simplify, sell the house in Texas and move up to Terre Haute permanently.
2004
50th Wedding Anniversary Trip to Egypt
David organizes an absolutely fabulous 50th wedding anniversary trip to Egypt. The whole family celebrates the anniversary in the famous Cataract Hotel where Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile" takes place. (see photos)
2007
Christmas Trip to Morocco
Another wonderful family Christmas trip to an exotic land.
2011
Denis passes away
He is surrounded by family when he takes his last breath in Catherine’s little Victorian house.
Terre Haute
2017
Total Eclipse #1
Catherine and Denise drive to Illinois to experience their first total eclipse together and then get rear ended & total Catherine’s 3rd or 4th PT Cruiser on the way back.
2021
Move to St Mary’s
Catherine moves out to Providence Health Care at St Mary of the Woods
2024
April
Total eclipse #2
David, Cathy & Denise celebrate Catherine's 92nd birthday at St Mary of the Woods a couple of weeks early in order to experience another total eclipse. It was a fabulous day enjoyed by all.
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January 26, 2026
A beautiful tribute to a remarkable lady. Most people only have 2 wonderful grandmothers growing up, but I was lucky enough to have 3. She was absolutely one of a kind, and what a life she lived in her 93 years!
January 26, 2026
Beautiful Aunt Catherine (BAC) was one of a kind. She was an evangelist for beauty and enjoyed sharing it with others to make the world a lovelier place.
She shared my love for Lawrence and Kansas City, and I always had a blast when she visited me, either with Mom or Uncle Denny or both. She was delighted to find Calamity Jane’s, a dress shop on Mass Ave, where she bought a lacy, retro-prairie chic dress (lavender, naturellement) that she wore to Amy’s wedding. She shared my love of whimsical art that we found in unexpected places. Most of the art I own was purchased during expeditions with her, or given to me by her, or by Mom based on BAC’s recommendation.
She knew I admired the Eastlake bedroom set she had (it was worth almost as much as her Italianate gingerbread house on South Center). She saw one in Indianapolis, negotiated an incredible price, bought it tax-free through her business, got it delivered to an antique restorer in West Terre Haute who converted the bed from full-size to queen, and only then called me to say she found just the right thing for me. She didn’t have to ask me if I wanted to buy it before she went out on a limb and paid for it. She understood what people wanted sometimes before they knew it themselves. All I had to do was rent a U-Haul and get it to Kansas City.
Mom’s house at 9 Adams was a BAC joint. It was warm, lush but understated, and inviting. There was something comforting about the attention to detail, knowing that someone had already thought of everything, and you could sit back and relax because you were taken care of. Mom trusted BAC’s taste without question, like we all did. Mom said, “I just write the checks.”
BAC was a force of nature. She could be a tempest; she could be a warm, Spring meadow blanketed in flowers. Her temperament was like her aesthetics, ranging from Baroque to Victorian to Mid-Century Modern to the cutting edge. When she got to Rococo, you had better pay attention because you didn’t know what you were going to get one way or the other, but you knew it was going to be the full sensory experience. Mom said she always wore her heart on her sleeve. If you screwed up, you heard about it, but she was better at showing her love for you than most people.
Having BAC and Aunt Cece in my life was like having three moms. Who could be so lucky? There’s a place in western Mass called the Three Sisters Sanctuary. It’s a garden full of quirky, home-made mosaics, curious found objects, metal sculptures, and rhinestone- and tessera-encrusted concrete fountains, benches and terraces. It is a microcosm created out of nothing with intent and a loving eye. Kind of like the families they created. There’s also a wood stove museum and store, because we all need to stay warm. Every time I drive by it, I will think of them.
She shared my love for Lawrence and Kansas City, and I always had a blast when she visited me, either with Mom or Uncle Denny or both. She was delighted to find Calamity Jane’s, a dress shop on Mass Ave, where she bought a lacy, retro-prairie chic dress (lavender, naturellement) that she wore to Amy’s wedding. She shared my love of whimsical art that we found in unexpected places. Most of the art I own was purchased during expeditions with her, or given to me by her, or by Mom based on BAC’s recommendation.
She knew I admired the Eastlake bedroom set she had (it was worth almost as much as her Italianate gingerbread house on South Center). She saw one in Indianapolis, negotiated an incredible price, bought it tax-free through her business, got it delivered to an antique restorer in West Terre Haute who converted the bed from full-size to queen, and only then called me to say she found just the right thing for me. She didn’t have to ask me if I wanted to buy it before she went out on a limb and paid for it. She understood what people wanted sometimes before they knew it themselves. All I had to do was rent a U-Haul and get it to Kansas City.
Mom’s house at 9 Adams was a BAC joint. It was warm, lush but understated, and inviting. There was something comforting about the attention to detail, knowing that someone had already thought of everything, and you could sit back and relax because you were taken care of. Mom trusted BAC’s taste without question, like we all did. Mom said, “I just write the checks.”
BAC was a force of nature. She could be a tempest; she could be a warm, Spring meadow blanketed in flowers. Her temperament was like her aesthetics, ranging from Baroque to Victorian to Mid-Century Modern to the cutting edge. When she got to Rococo, you had better pay attention because you didn’t know what you were going to get one way or the other, but you knew it was going to be the full sensory experience. Mom said she always wore her heart on her sleeve. If you screwed up, you heard about it, but she was better at showing her love for you than most people.
Having BAC and Aunt Cece in my life was like having three moms. Who could be so lucky? There’s a place in western Mass called the Three Sisters Sanctuary. It’s a garden full of quirky, home-made mosaics, curious found objects, metal sculptures, and rhinestone- and tessera-encrusted concrete fountains, benches and terraces. It is a microcosm created out of nothing with intent and a loving eye. Kind of like the families they created. There’s also a wood stove museum and store, because we all need to stay warm. Every time I drive by it, I will think of them.
January 22, 2026
Grandma Catherine was one of the most warm, wonderful and exciting people you could ever meet, and I was lucky enough to be her favorite second grandson (her words).
Given we lived far away for a big chunk of my life, the times I did get to spend with Grandma was always THE BIGGEST highlight of my kid life. I will always cherish those memories.
We were definitely spoiled, she was one of a kind.
Given we lived far away for a big chunk of my life, the times I did get to spend with Grandma was always THE BIGGEST highlight of my kid life. I will always cherish those memories.
We were definitely spoiled, she was one of a kind.
January 13, 2026
AU NOM DE MA TENDRE MAMAN AMERICAINE
J’ai eu la chance et le bonheur de faire la connaissance de Mom, my american mother, grâce à un programme d’échange franco-américain qui devait durer une année scolaire. J'ai donc partagé la vie de la famille Conrady à Denton, Texas à l'âge de 15 ans, il y a 50 ans !
Je me souviens de l'importance de Mom à mes yeux quand débarquant pour la première fois aux Etats-Unis pour y partager les us et coutumes du pays, je faisais connaissance de la sympathique famille Conrady.
Un peu perdue par la barrière linguistique ainsi que tous les changements de mode de vie, Mom, grâce à son intelligence, son caractère raisonnable et pondéré, a su me soutenir pour une meilleure intégration.
Amoureuse de la France, elle s'y est rendue à maintes reprises ; elle est même venue en Corse en compagnie de Denis, my américan Dad. Elle a également accueilli ma maman et ma sœur ravies de leur expérience américaine ainsi que mon compagnon, Thierry et ma fille Maéva quelques années plus tard.
Depuis 1996 nous sommes restés en contact et avons eu le bonheur de recevoir une carte de vœux TOUS LES ANS au moment des fêtes. Ainsi nous suivions la famille Conrady malgré la distance. Quelle fidélité dans l'amitié ! Merci Mom de ne jamais m'avoir oublié.
Lorsque Mom a dû devoir se faire aider dans ses gestes quotidiens, Denise et David lui ont trouvé un lieu agréable où elle a pu finir ses jours paisiblement.
Merci à mon frère et ma sœur de s’être aussi bien occupés de leur maman. Quel dévouement !
Merci Denise d'avoir pensé à moi en m’envoyant régulièrement photos et vidéos qui, malgré la distance nous séparant, m’ont permis de rester en contact avec Mom jusqu'à son dernier souffle.
Mom, tu vas tellement me manquer.
J’ai eu la chance et le bonheur de faire la connaissance de Mom, my american mother, grâce à un programme d’échange franco-américain qui devait durer une année scolaire. J'ai donc partagé la vie de la famille Conrady à Denton, Texas à l'âge de 15 ans, il y a 50 ans !
Je me souviens de l'importance de Mom à mes yeux quand débarquant pour la première fois aux Etats-Unis pour y partager les us et coutumes du pays, je faisais connaissance de la sympathique famille Conrady.
Un peu perdue par la barrière linguistique ainsi que tous les changements de mode de vie, Mom, grâce à son intelligence, son caractère raisonnable et pondéré, a su me soutenir pour une meilleure intégration.
Amoureuse de la France, elle s'y est rendue à maintes reprises ; elle est même venue en Corse en compagnie de Denis, my américan Dad. Elle a également accueilli ma maman et ma sœur ravies de leur expérience américaine ainsi que mon compagnon, Thierry et ma fille Maéva quelques années plus tard.
Depuis 1996 nous sommes restés en contact et avons eu le bonheur de recevoir une carte de vœux TOUS LES ANS au moment des fêtes. Ainsi nous suivions la famille Conrady malgré la distance. Quelle fidélité dans l'amitié ! Merci Mom de ne jamais m'avoir oublié.
Lorsque Mom a dû devoir se faire aider dans ses gestes quotidiens, Denise et David lui ont trouvé un lieu agréable où elle a pu finir ses jours paisiblement.
Merci à mon frère et ma sœur de s’être aussi bien occupés de leur maman. Quel dévouement !
Merci Denise d'avoir pensé à moi en m’envoyant régulièrement photos et vidéos qui, malgré la distance nous séparant, m’ont permis de rester en contact avec Mom jusqu'à son dernier souffle.
Mom, tu vas tellement me manquer.
January 12, 2026
Beautiful Aunt Catherine was always a special friend to me as a child and adult--she was my "Honey." I will always hold onto precious memories of her beautiful home and tea parties. She was an incredibly creative and passionate soul who resonated deeply with me.
January 11, 2026
Thank you Catherine for showing me how kindness and smile change everything ! Each time I met you with my dear friend Denise in Paris, you were always so warm and funny ! I remember our visit all together to L'Orangerie to admire the Monet's lilies with those purple colors you liked so much💜. It was a bliss. And this Halloween party at Denise's home where we add so much fun.! 🎊🤓. You sent me some Happy New Year letters and I discover this American tradition to actually write all the main events of the past year and I was touched reading it because it opened my heart to gratitude, and it made me feel good. Thank you Catherine for you beautiful soul and for your daughter Denise that I have the chance to count among my best friends. Sending lots of Love from Paris , 💖💕
January 11, 2026
As a young exchange student from Finland I was lucky to be placed with the Conrady family in Denton, TX in 1978. Catherine, whom I called my American Mom, showed up to be very warm and supportive, which was especially important to me during the first months of my stay in a new environment. I also appreciated her ability to say things straight, if she thought it was for my own good. Mom encouraged me to participate in school activities and adviced me to do things my way.
At the time of my stay in Denton Mom was starting her career in interior designing. I admired her dedication to the new profession. In spite of long hours at work she found time to be the area representative of the youth exchange organisation. She truly believed in positive effects of international relations between people. After my stay with the Conradys our connection stayed alive thanks to the travels of Mom, Denis (Dad), Denise and David. They all took turns to visit us in Finland.
I visited Mom and Dad in Terre Haute in 2005. The house they lived in was a true proof of Mom’s decorative skills and creativity. It was a warm gettogether and the last time I met them in person.
I have a beautiful recollection of Mom from our summer house in the Turku archipelago. There we have a bench that gives a lovely view to the surrounding sea and the islands. She would sit there in silence for a long time and enjoy the beauty of the nature. The bench is my favorite place, too, and this coming summer I am sure I will be thinking of her when I sit there feeling on my face the same sea wind that she felt many years ago.
At the time of my stay in Denton Mom was starting her career in interior designing. I admired her dedication to the new profession. In spite of long hours at work she found time to be the area representative of the youth exchange organisation. She truly believed in positive effects of international relations between people. After my stay with the Conradys our connection stayed alive thanks to the travels of Mom, Denis (Dad), Denise and David. They all took turns to visit us in Finland.
I visited Mom and Dad in Terre Haute in 2005. The house they lived in was a true proof of Mom’s decorative skills and creativity. It was a warm gettogether and the last time I met them in person.
I have a beautiful recollection of Mom from our summer house in the Turku archipelago. There we have a bench that gives a lovely view to the surrounding sea and the islands. She would sit there in silence for a long time and enjoy the beauty of the nature. The bench is my favorite place, too, and this coming summer I am sure I will be thinking of her when I sit there feeling on my face the same sea wind that she felt many years ago.
January 10, 2026
I knew Beautiful Aunt Catherine (AKA “BAC”) all my life. During my early years she was part of the cohesive trio that was my mom and her sisters when our families met up once or twice a year. I got to know her better when I was in my teens and we 12 cousins weren’t so “much.” That’s when I learned how cheeky she could be.
I remember how awed I was at seeing her studio, Designs for Today. Her flamboyant style, with church relics and gorgeous colors showed so much of her creative personality. She had a gorgeous painting of flowers hanging up, beautifully lit, and was proud to tell me it was done by my cousin Denise when I admired it.
The connection Aunt Catherine had with her sisters was special. They’d gone through some loss together. In later years I realized they just preferred their trio when they were together, and that was OK. They meant so much to each other. They say sisters are the ones who are together from the cradle to the grave. I’m glad they get to be together again.
Shelli Berwick
I remember how awed I was at seeing her studio, Designs for Today. Her flamboyant style, with church relics and gorgeous colors showed so much of her creative personality. She had a gorgeous painting of flowers hanging up, beautifully lit, and was proud to tell me it was done by my cousin Denise when I admired it.
The connection Aunt Catherine had with her sisters was special. They’d gone through some loss together. In later years I realized they just preferred their trio when they were together, and that was OK. They meant so much to each other. They say sisters are the ones who are together from the cradle to the grave. I’m glad they get to be together again.
Shelli Berwick
January 10, 2026
Denise and David,
I'm so sorry for your loss but I do know your mom had a good life and surrounded by your love, and that of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and rest of the family and friends
I vividly remember the first time I met your mom, with the parrot on her shoulder and some larger than life fancy jewelry (necklace and rings, and such). That followed by more events including a meal at Clay Pot Eatery. I loved how culturally open and accepting they were, having exchange students at home. Something I then promised myself i'd do when I grow up. I did that but not as well as them.
That openness to other cultures, love of traveling to other countries made me feel so comfortable and accepted, in a totally nonjudgemental surrounding - again of great importance to me, especially given the 1979-80 timeframe, not the best time for an Iranian champ to immigrate to Texas (which by the way, I love to this day).
Open, unpretentious, comfortable with themselves, supportive and full of love for their kids, they were.
I loved her sense of humor, which is also instilled in both of you.
All these years, especially through my friendship with your dad (who was one of my absolute dearest and best professors, turned a friend), and thanks to Denise, from a distance I stayed in touch and admired the love and support I always saw in your family, for one another.
I know how tough it is for you to lose your mother (i lost my dad around 15 months ago and I still get moist-eyed thinking of him each day). My thoughts and prayers are with her, your dad, you and your family.
Love, Mehran
I'm so sorry for your loss but I do know your mom had a good life and surrounded by your love, and that of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and rest of the family and friends
I vividly remember the first time I met your mom, with the parrot on her shoulder and some larger than life fancy jewelry (necklace and rings, and such). That followed by more events including a meal at Clay Pot Eatery. I loved how culturally open and accepting they were, having exchange students at home. Something I then promised myself i'd do when I grow up. I did that but not as well as them.
That openness to other cultures, love of traveling to other countries made me feel so comfortable and accepted, in a totally nonjudgemental surrounding - again of great importance to me, especially given the 1979-80 timeframe, not the best time for an Iranian champ to immigrate to Texas (which by the way, I love to this day).
Open, unpretentious, comfortable with themselves, supportive and full of love for their kids, they were.
I loved her sense of humor, which is also instilled in both of you.
All these years, especially through my friendship with your dad (who was one of my absolute dearest and best professors, turned a friend), and thanks to Denise, from a distance I stayed in touch and admired the love and support I always saw in your family, for one another.
I know how tough it is for you to lose your mother (i lost my dad around 15 months ago and I still get moist-eyed thinking of him each day). My thoughts and prayers are with her, your dad, you and your family.
Love, Mehran
January 10, 2026
I first met Denis, Catherine’s husband, in 1976, when I began my graduate studies at UNT (then North Texas State University). He and Dr. Tom Irby guided me through my education and gave me the encouragement and knowledge for which I’m eternally grateful. When I started as a Teaching Fellow, Denis treated me more as a friend and colleague than a mere student. I was floored by his candor. He became my lifelong mentor. He welcomed me into their home, where I first met his lovely wife, Catherine. They were so genuine, I fell in love with them both immediately. When I met and married my wife, Elisa, they openly embraced her as well. Catherine graciously offered the use of her business as the venue for our rehearsal dinner. We attended their parties. They attended ours. Our times together were filled with laughter and joy. I’m so grateful for the time we had with them before they moved to Indiana. Their two kids were grown by that time. I never got the chance to spend time with them, but I’ve corresponded with Denise since Denis passed. Both Denis and Catherine were such wonderful people. They’ve always been in our nightly prayers. We’ll miss them both so much, and we’ll always cherish their memory.
January 10, 2026
I was named after her and very proud of it. I loved when she came to Connersville. Your parents were great role models. I loved them both and was always so excited when I got to see them. She was always happy and so colorful. She would light up every room she walked into. Every time mom went to see her, they faced timed me. Such a joy to visit with! I’m sure you have so many amazing memories with her. So sorry for your loss, but I know she’s in a much better place with that beautiful smile on her face❤️
Favorites
What was Catherine's favorite Travel destination?
Aside from absolutely loving Paris France, Catherine’s favorite travel experience was a river cruise in Eastern Europe where she got to see the beautiful wooden churches with the onion domes.
What was Catherine's favorite Color?
Can you guess?
What was Catherine's favorite Movie?
The original Snow White & The Seven Dwarves cartoon, The Sound of Music, and …
What was Catherine's favorite Sports Team?
Catherine avidly followed March Madness every year. Her favorite team was Duke. She liked to tell people that she was a pretty good basketball player when she was younger!
What was Catherine's favorite way to exercise?
Catherine did NOT like to exercise. She did like gardening though!
What was Catherine's favorite Quote or Saying?
Growing old isn’t for sissies!
Service
Please join us at Moms favorite church to bless her cremains and mourn her passing at a Mass of Christian burial with Cremains. The mass will be followed by a luncheon in St Ben’s Hellmann Hall. We then invite you to stay with us after lunch to celebrate Catherine's life. There will be an open mic where we will be able to share our memories of her. If it rings your bell, wear something purple! Or a fancy hat. Mom would get a kick out of that. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Memorial Mass
Saint Benedict’s Church
111 South Ninth Street,
Terre Haute IN 47807
111 South Ninth Street,
Terre Haute IN 47807
Saturday January 24th, 2026
10:00 visitation
11:00 Mass followed by
12:00 Luncheon at St Ben’s Hellmann Hall
1:00 Memorial Celebration Hellman Hall
10:00 visitation
11:00 Mass followed by
12:00 Luncheon at St Ben’s Hellmann Hall
1:00 Memorial Celebration Hellman Hall
RSVP
Donate
**In Loving Memory of Catherine Conrady: A Call to Honor Her Spirit**
Dear Family and Friends,
In honor of our beloved mother, Catherine Conrady, we invite you to contribute to the repair of the beautiful stained glass windows at St. Benedict Catholic Church—something that brought her immense joy during her lifetime. Mom had a deep appreciation for the artistry and light that stained glass windows embodied, and it is our heartfelt wish to carry on her legacy through this meaningful tribute.
Your generous donations will not only help restore these cherished windows but will also serve to reflect the compassion and kindness that Catherine shared with all who knew her. Together, we can create a lasting testament to her spirit and love for the community she treasured.
If you would like to make a donation, please send it to St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 S. 9th St., Terre Haute, IN 47807. Kindly include a memo indicating "for stained glass window in memory of Catherine Conrady." Donation envelopes will be available at the Memorial Mass, providing an opportunity for those who would like to contribute at that time.
Let us come together to celebrate Catherine’s life and continue her legacy of love and kindness through this beautiful project.
Dear Family and Friends,
In honor of our beloved mother, Catherine Conrady, we invite you to contribute to the repair of the beautiful stained glass windows at St. Benedict Catholic Church—something that brought her immense joy during her lifetime. Mom had a deep appreciation for the artistry and light that stained glass windows embodied, and it is our heartfelt wish to carry on her legacy through this meaningful tribute.
Your generous donations will not only help restore these cherished windows but will also serve to reflect the compassion and kindness that Catherine shared with all who knew her. Together, we can create a lasting testament to her spirit and love for the community she treasured.
If you would like to make a donation, please send it to St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 S. 9th St., Terre Haute, IN 47807. Kindly include a memo indicating "for stained glass window in memory of Catherine Conrady." Donation envelopes will be available at the Memorial Mass, providing an opportunity for those who would like to contribute at that time.
Let us come together to celebrate Catherine’s life and continue her legacy of love and kindness through this beautiful project.
made with 
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