Catherine M. Ouweneel

Catherine M. Ouweneel, née Murphy, died in Bellingham, Washington after suffering a fall that proved to be fatal. Her final days were spent in St. Joseph Hospital and at Hospice House in the care and company of those she called angels. She was a committed Francophile and passionate animal lover. Her pronouns were she/her.

Born in Brooklyn, this native New Yorker was happiest during her 36 years of life in Bellingham. She appreciated and cherished this community, including its rainy days.

Catherine is survived by her sister Theresa (Jessie), nephew James, and nieces Deidre and Denise (Patrick), her best friends since first grade, Alice and Nancy, and her teaching colleague Bette, with whom she shared a passion for all things French. She was preceded in death by her brother James and her husband William Ouweneel, aka Mr. Bill.

Catherine earned two Master’s Degrees; one in French and one in Spanish. She spent 28 years as a teacher of foreign languages for students in grades 7 -12. In retirement, she continued to teach French to adults. She and her husband treated two of these “students” to round trip tickets to Paris for a class trip in France. Catherine became a Pastry Chef after studying and practice at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Catherine embodied the joy for living known as “joie de vivre” in France. She enjoyed nearly everything that life brought her way. Some of her favorite things and interests were animals, birds, flowers, food, wine, learning, teaching, music, clothes, shoes, holidays, travel, history, and politics. She was talented, inspiring, witty and admired. Her smile was beatific.

Her collections of seasonal and holiday decorations were displayed artistically and with delight. She decorated the door to her apartment to create a festive welcome for herself and passers-by. She possessed a wondrous wardrobe replete with colors and patterns. She rotated her off-season attire which included Halloween costumes and Christmas garb.

Among Catherine’s many talents were drawing, singing, and acting. Recently, she played the part of Eve in a presentation of Mark Twain’s Adam & Eve for the Willows’ residents. She loved living at The Willows and likened it to living on a cruise ship.

She was an avid fan of Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, and Stephanie Ruhle. She was still tuning in to MSNBC while in the hospital. As a political activist, she donated her time and money generously to candidates and causes. Catherine stated unequivocally her desire to be remembered as an Anti-Trumpist.

Catherine loved life, embraced it fully, and she knew how she wanted to say farewell to this world. She was brave, beautiful, and brilliant.   

Honor her by donating to the Humane Society or Doctors Without Borders.