Cora E. Catt

ora E. Catt, 90, Topeka, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2004 at St. Francis Hospital.

She was born Aug. 18, 1913 in Clovis, New Mexico, the daughter of Zett and Sadie Tilley Catt. She was currently a resident of Atria-Hearthstone East.

She is survived by two nieces, Janet Catt of Tulsa, Okla., and Marla Catt of San Francisco, California. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brohter, Jim Catt.

The Catt family moved to Oklahoma during Cora's early years, and they lived in Perry and Cashion. The family then moved to Lyons, Ks, where she graduated from high school. She attended Central States Teachers' College, Edmond, Okla., where she received a Teacher's Certificate, and then Sterling College, Sterling, Ks, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then received a Master of Social Work degree from George Warren Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis.

Cora taught at Lyons Grade School in her early career, and served in the WAVES, US Navy from 1943-1945.

She started her social work profession as a social worker in Hutchinson. She served as Director of Field Services for the Republic County Welfare Office, Field Representative for the Garden City Welfare Office, Chief Social Worker for the Larned State Hospital, Director of Field Services in Topeka and was Director of the Regional Office, Dept. of Social Welfare, State of Kansas when she retired Aug. 31, 1978.

She was a member of the Kansas Conference on Social Welfare holding several offices in that organization. She was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church and served on many committees, and in the UMW of the Church. She was also a member of Everywoman's Resource Center, Business and Professional Women, American Legion Auxillary, and the American Association of University Women. She served in leadership roles in all of those organizations. She was an active community volunteer at St. Francis Hospital, serving over 5000 hours, Christmas Bureau, ERC volunteer coordinator, Countryside United Methodist Church, and many other organizations.

In 1982, Cora was recognized as Community Volunteer of the year by the Junior League of Topeka. In 1987, the Cora Catt ERC Award was established for her active volunteer work in that organization. She was Docent Coordinator for many years at the Designer Showhouse. The Cora Catt award is an ongoing award each year to a volunteer from ERC.

Cora was an avid reader and loved to read "Who Dunnit" books. Being surrounded by books to read and enjoy was her love in life. She had a host of friends with who she enjoyed socializing and carrying on conversations. She had a great wit. She also loved cats and enjoyed her kitty, Blackie, before she moved from her home to assisted living several years ago.

Cora was cremated. Inurnment will be in the Catt family plot at Lyons City Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Chapel at Countryside United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Countryside United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka 66611, or to the organization of the donor's choice.

Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.penwellgabel.com.