Memories of Cathy Morrison Swain

In memory of

Cathy Morrison Swain

Waterbury, VT

August 10, 1949 - March 17, 2022

Aug 10, 1949 - Mar 17, 2022

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Recorded History

I’ll never forget her laughing in my face and her telling me I wouldn’t reach my goal.

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Lee London

1969, Champaign, IL, USA

I met Cathy at Adler Zone Center in Champaign, Illinois where she worked as a receptionist and I as a mental health worker on an inpatient unit for children. I happened to go by her station one day and was instantly awe struck by this beautiful red head who was answering the phone. I screwed up my courage and began to talk with her. She was lively, intelligent and unpretentious. As I got to know her, I found out we had similar beliefs and attitudes. We were both juniors in college who were working to pay our way. We came from middle class families and believed in education. We eventually dated until we graduated and I went left to work in Chicago. We saw each other periodically until Cathy went to San Francisco to work in 1972 or 73. We reconnected through Linked In in 2008 and communicated until her death. She was a very special person who I’m glad I could call a friend.

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Brenda and Steve Bolio

Dear Julia and Ethan, I did not know of Cathy’s passing until you posted the update about the memorial garden on FB. I was so saddened to hear of her illness and death. You probably won’t remember me, as you were both very young Cathy hired me to care for you while she was at work and away on business trips. My son, Craig (or Craigger as your mom called him) was just 6 months old when I started working for your family in September 1985.
Your mom was such an wonderful mentor for me as a young mom. She was a great listener, she shared her experiences and insights on parenting, relationships, and life with no judgements nor expectations.
Your mom was generous and kind (my entire family celebrated Thanksgiving at your home while you were all away on holiday because she had asked me to house/dog sit and I had declined due to hosting the holiday and your mom insisted we just all come to the house!)
The last time I saw your mom (and the two of you) in person was 8.3.1991 when you all came to my wedding, I was so touched that Cathy made that effort for my special day. I was pleased to be in contact through FB for the past few years. A while back I shared with your mom that I had accidentally stolen her sugar cookie recipe (I use it every Thanksgiving and Christmas) and she got a chuckle out of that. Each year that I have taken it out of my recipe file I have been reminded of that time in our lives when we were connected and now when I take it out I will cherish it even more.
Please accept my condolences, and may Cathy’s love of life live on through the both of you and your families.
Peace,
Brenda Bolio

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Erin n Mary Patt Kelly

Lyndon, VT, USA

I had the delight to have Cathy as my piano teacher when my kids were young and I bought a piano at an auction. I had forgotten this was one of her many talents when I had mentioned my new purchase during a visit. I was thrilled when she offered. Her patience and her laughter still make me smile. And her storytelling always had me riveted. You knew it was going to be interesting because she was! And her joy when talking about her children and grandchildren. Then there’s her furry buddies, I’m not sure who was having more fun. Her watching her pooch jump in the lake to retrieve what she threw or the dear pooch enjoying launching off the dock n swim. Love You Cathy! Your ripples of love will continue to move from one heart to another. You certainly inspired me in multiple ways.

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Molly Barnes

Julia Swain

Molly Barnes

Shana Mathers

Shared a heart

Julia Swain

2022, Moretown, VT, USA

Memorial Stone

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Shana Mathers

Julia Swain

2022, Moretown, VT, USA

Memorial Benches

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Shana Mathers

Julia Swain

2022, Moretown, VT, USA

Site being cleared for the memorial

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Comments:

Chrissie and Jim Owre

This is such a thoughtful long lasting memorial to dear Cathy whose blessings for me and my family are everlasting.... Read more This is such a thoughtful long lasting memorial to dear Cathy whose blessings for me and my family are everlasting. Thank you!... Read more This is such a thoughtful long lasting memorial to ... Read more

Julia Swain

2022, Moretown, VT, USA

Crayon Sketch of the memorial site

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Julia Swain

Shared a heart

Julia Swain

2019, Crystal Lake, Barton, VT, USA

Julia, Cathy and Ethan

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Molly Barnes

Brenda and Steve Bolio

Julia Swain

2019, Crystal Lake, Barton, VT, USA

Grama C and Colton

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Molly Barnes

Brenda and Steve Bolio

Ada Correll

Robinson, IL, USA

I'm Cathy and Darla's cousin and we grew up together. I recently took pictures of the house they grew up in at Robinson IL. I sent them to Cathy and Darla. The house looks the same as it did when they grew up there as children. Like time has stood still for the last 70 years. They loved the pics. I drive by there often to remember some of the best times of our lives. Cathy will sadly be missed ❤️

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Julia Swain

Comments:

Julia Swain

Thank you so much for sharing this memory and the photos. We super appreciate learning more about our mothers... Read more Thank you so much for sharing this memory and the photos. We super appreciate learning more about our mothers past and hearing... Read more Thank you so much for sharing this memory and the photos.... Read more

Nancy Brush

This house was my second home from first grade thru graduation. Cathy and I were best friends. Had our joint... Read more This house was my second home from first grade thru graduation. Cathy and I were best friends. Had our joint 16th birthday party... Read more This house was my second home from first grade thru... Read more

Lee London

My deep condolences to Cathy's family. I first met Cathy when we dated in college. After graduating and a long hiatus we started communicating through texting, emails and voice over 13 years ago. I looked forward to our chats talking about family, politics, and our day to day triumphs and disappointments. I had not spoken to her recently and was saddened to hear she had passed

She was a wonderful person so full of life and adventure. She was brilliant, fearless, strong principled and yet well grounded. She loved Julia and Ethan, and her grandchildren. She was especially happy to spend time with them all, especially when she could teach and play music with them. She was truly a one of a kind and we be missed terribly.

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Julia Swain

Comments:

Julia Swain

Thank you for your memory and kind words! Thank you for your memory and kind words! Thank you for your memory and kind words!

Amos Roddy

Cathy was one of the warmest people I've ever met. When I was wrapping up college and preparing to move out of state, she came out to New Mexico to visit my mom and I. She was so curious and excited about my plans and ambitions for my future and more than anything she encouraged me to go have fun and explore what the world had to offer. She lived with this amazing fiery thirst for life and I'll always remember her big, warm smile.

Sending love and condolences from Portland, OR.

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Julia Swain

Comments:

Julia Swain

Thank you Amos, she loved you and Lea like family and we hope to see you soon! Thank you Amos, she loved you and Lea like family and we hope to see you soon! Thank you Amos, she loved you and Lea like family and... Read more

Lea Douglas

Dear Julia and Ethan,

Amos and I send our thoughts and condolences to you. Cathy's rich presence may subside a little, but we know it most profoundly lives on in you both. You have company too, as those who knew her, including Sundance and T Bone, will often recall Cathy with love and appreciation. Enjoy life and carry her onward. Love from Oregon and New Mexico

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Julia Swain

Comments:

Julia Swain

Thank you Lea, we love and miss you both. We will always cherish fond childhood memories with you and camping... Read more Thank you Lea, we love and miss you both. We will always cherish fond childhood memories with you and camping in little moose!... Read more Thank you Lea, we love and miss you both. We will always... Read more