Obituary of Cathy Challenner

Cathy Challenner of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at age 73. She was born in El Paso, TX to her mother, Phyllis Lewis, and later adopted by Gene Challenner. Phyllis and Gene gave her 3 more siblings - brothers Richard Lee, Phillip Lin, and sister Jeanne Anne. These 3 were very close to her and held her dear in their hearts their entire lives. They were with her during her last week. In addition, she is survived by her mother, her sisters-in-law, Mary Kathryn Jane and Nena Carol; brother-in-law Hessam; nephews Ryan Blake, Aaron Lee, Omeed Alexander with their wives Rachel and Ashley; great niece, Alice Lee, as well as nephews-in-law Chris, Stephen, and Brian.

Cathy attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, then Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. The first degree she obtained was in Dietetics, but she returned to school to obtain a degree in nursing. Her passion for neonatal care was what carried her throughout her life. This career served her in a few North Texas hospitals before she moved to Colorado Springs in 1996. She was distinguished in neonatal nursing, teaching roles and Bereavement Care at Penrose Community Hospital, then at Memorial Hospital. Retiring in 2014 she enjoyed spending time with family. Favorite memories include a lighthouse viewing trip with her mother up the east coast into Canada, trips with friends, colleagues and siblings, and family gatherings. She loved offering her home and being a hostess to those who would visit for as long as needed. The long list of such people includes nephew, Chris Lang, who was her dearest companion/caregiver until the end.

Cathy wants her life to be celebrated with party. Gathering for memorial and party will be at brother’s home in Woodland Park, CO on July 4th, one of her favorite family gathering times.

"Because of her decades long dedication to helping premature babies, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Cathy's name to Children's Hospital NICU in lieu of flowers, http://childrenscolorado.org/