Obituary of Joan Cathleen Walsh

Joan Cathleen Walsh "Cathy" passed away at home after a long illness on January 20, 2020 with her family by her side. She was affectionately called "Mamacat."  She is survived by her husband,  the love of her life, Robert  (Bob), son Jeffrey, daughter Aimee and her beloved grandchildren Joshua and Molly. 

 

Cathy was born in Denver, Colorado on October 23,1944 to proud parents Charles and Johanna Troutt  (Geisler).  She spent much of her formative years living and working in the original Elitch Gardens where her father was head gardener.  Cathy and Bob met at Elitches as teenagers.  After a long courtship they were married at Mother of God church on May 27, 1967. She loved children and was a devoted mother.   She had a special bond with her grandchildren and cared for them daily throughout their upbringing.  Her love of children showed in her collection of children's books and was a good fit in her position as a teacher's assistant at Edison elementary school.  She went there as did her children and grandchildren.  Yes! She had deep roots in the Northside (Highlands).  

 

Cathy and Bob fancied travel taking coast to coast road trips as a family.  Driving to Florida was high on their list.  She was in her glory searching for seashells with aunt Blanche.  Along the way they went to Dyersburg,  

Tennessee where her father was from.  Later, they took to the skies jetting off all over the U.S. including several trips to Hawaii and they were able to spend a great deal of time in one of their favorite regions, New England (especially Boston) when Aimee lived there.   She remembered visits to the Cape to see aunt Blanche fondly. 

 

Among her top holidays: the Czech Republic and Indonesia. She felt blessed to have traveled to her dream destination, Australia.  She and Bob shared a very special getaway to Holland.  Travelling to New York City with Aimee and Jeff by train to honor her mothers' passage to America through Ellis Island was very meaningful to her.  The most personally significant journey was to Dresden, Germany to see relatives in the birthplace of her dear mother.  

 

She loved her home and took great pride in keeping it ultra clean.  Her home was her canvas as she had a gift for interior design.  She and Aimee joked about having an interior design business with Kathy Borrer.   She loved to swim and volunteered for the MS Society in their hydrotherapy program for a time.  It was a great opportunity to enjoy the water and help others,  which she loved to do.  She missed doing those things when she was no longer able to do them.

 

You didn't have to be around Cathy for long to witness her exceptional kindness towards people and compassion for people.  She had an unmatched ability to forgive.  Her level of patience was admirable. It was a pleasure to do something for her because she expressed the utmost gratitude for even the smallest gesture.  You can see how beautiful she was on the outside but she didn't think so.  She knew though that it was more important to be good on the inside.  Cathy a supermodel on the inside! 

 

Her disease was very isolating.  However,  she handled her illness with much grace.  Cathy was profoundly grateful for her group of caregivers! In fact, the care and kindness she received from others often brought her to tears. 

 

Her greatest legacy is that of unconditional love and pure, unadulterated kindness.   Cathy will not be remembered the world over but the way she lived and loved could change the world!

 

There is a chasm in our hearts without our precious wife, momma, Grandma Cat and friend.  She is twirling in heaven now and breathing easily.  Fly free momma...

 

If you feel so inclined please make a donation in Cathy's name to: 

Collier Hospice Center

3210 N. Lutheran Pkwy

Wheat Ridge,  CO 80033

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joan Walsh, please visit our Tree Store