Cathy Sue Parent

A loving, caring personality for her family and friends, that also loved and accepted all unconditionally, with just the right amount of "spice" are just a few words to describe Cathy Parent. A few historical events that occurred in 1948 were NASCAR held their first race for modified stock cars in Daytona Beach, Florida, the game, Scrabble was introduced, the first tape recorder was sold, and on November 29, 1948 John and Betty (Jones) North welcomed the birth of Cathy Sue North at Lucky Hospital in Wolf Lake, IN.

Cathy was a pretty tough little girl growing up. She had a feisty spirit, and once even punched her brother and knocked him out! Cathy was a fantastic softball player and loved to square dance. She enjoyed taking her grandkids to Burnworth Pool complete with snacks, which lasted for hours. Cathy loved anything that had to do with the outdoors, whether it was camping, cookouts, gardening, playing games with friends and family, or attending family reunions.

Cathy was a lifetime Columbia City resident and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1967. She started working as a nurse's aide at Whitley County Memorial Hospital and after she completed her schooling became a Registered Respiratory Therapist, that lead her to work at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. After the loss of her eyesight, she volunteered her time in the x-ray department at Whitley Memorial Hospital.

Cathy met her future husband, Edward T. Parent at Walker's Confectionary and from there they danced at City Hall, and soon fell in love. On July 1, 1967 Cathy and Ed were married in Columbia City. They were blessed with two wonderful children and many grandchildren, whom she adored spending time with. Cathy was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, where she enjoyed gatherings with the ladies of the church. She also belonged the Eagle's Lodge Ladies Auxiliary. In her free time, if she wasn't taking care of anyone who needed it, Cathy could be found watching soap operas, Hannity, Little House on the Prarie, or just watching movies with Ed.
Cathy will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who loved and knew her so well.

Cathy Sue Parent, age 70, of Columbia City, passed away at 6:23 pm on Friday August 23, 2019 at her residence. Survivors include her husband Edward Parent of Columbia City; children Dawn Boggs of South Whitley and Matthew (Shannon) Parent, of Columbia City; grandchildren Kristin (Bill) Streby, Brianna Bumbaugh, Katherine Parent, Sean Parent, Tasia (Steve) Sprovach, Kyle (Courtney) Boggs; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Steve North and Laura (Linc) Linn, both of Columbia City; step-mother Bobbie North. She was preceded in death by her father John North, mother Betty Alred, daughter Teresa Parent, brother Michael North, father-in-law Joseph Parent, mother-in-law Mary Parent, son-in-law Bill Boggs, nephew Chad Coyle.

Friends may call on Tuesday August 27, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with a Rosary at 1:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday August 28, 2019 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street, with calling one hour prior to service. Memorial contributions in memory of Cathy may be made to Whitley County Humane Society. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.