Cathleen Mead

Cathleen Maura Hanley Mead was born Feb. 13, 1924 and gently slipped away at home on Sept. 14, 2008.

She was the youngest of eight children. Her siblings all pre-deceased her; two older brothers, Dick and Russ, were Diocesan priests, Louise and Joan were Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and her remaining sisters are Veronica Olwell, Betty Ann Becker and Rosemary Hanley.

Mom grew up on Capitol Hill and went through grade and high school at Holy Names Academy. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church where her parents, David and Irene Hanley, were among the earliest parishioners.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Seattle College where she met George Mead, her husband of nearly 60 years.

In Capitol Hill tradition, Mom devoted her life to her nine children: George [Cheryl], Mary [Smithy], Stephan, David [Mary Beth], Joe, Mark, Theresa [Ward], Casey [Franny], and John.

Mom and Dad raised us on 21st in the shadow of Holy Names Academy where her two daughters went to high school. All her children attended St. Joseph School and the boys went to Seattle Prep where Dad taught math from 1967 until he died last year in October. Mom was “Nana” to

19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. They were all “darlings,” “sweethearts” and “angels” [at least to her].

Mom had an encyclopedic memory of the events and relationships of her life. She delighted in the wonder of each “glorious day” with contagious enthusiasm. She was an avid reader, and after the kids left home, she became an ardent traveler too. She loved family gatherings, and hosted most of our holidays and birthdays until she was well into her 70s. She never missed an event once her children began sharing the hosting duties. All our gatherings were pretty big ones and Mom was always the most popular guest.

Mom spent her lifetime loving and serving others and her faith inspired many. She loved the Catholic Church; she and Dad seldom missed daily Mass at St. Joe’s [or St. Hubert’s when they stayed at their beloved Meadowlane Farm on Whidbey Island]. She continuously thanked God for her many blessings, and her little phrases and happy exclamations are treasures we will all remember. Mom and Dad made sure that the many priests and nuns they cherished as close friends shared our table whenever they passed through town. Her family and countless friends and acquaintances will sorely miss her kind, welcoming hospitality. In her final years she needed oxygen due to her pulmonary fibrosis, but her only complaint was lack of energy.

The one serious demand Mom made of us in her last days was to keep her obituary short. Sorry Mom, I guess you’ll have to take that complaint up with Dad.

A rosary and funeral mass was held Thursday, Sept. 18 at St. Joseph Church.

Mom and Dad generously contributed to many charities and causes. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Sisters of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Ft. Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224; or L’Arche Noah Sealth, 816 15th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112.