Catherine Weeks, 76, Minot, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in a Minot hospital.
Catherine C. Gagnon was born Aug. 25, 1933, a daughter of Joseph A. and Mary M. (Brosnahan) Gagnon, in Minot. She was raised and educated in Minot. Cathy graduated salutatorian of her class at St. Leo's High School in 1951. She worked at Bader's as a bookkeeper, then at the Veterans Administration Hospital as a secretary in the special services department, the administrative office and finally for the commander. It was there she met her husband, Lyle Weeks, a patient, who would stop by her office on his way to rehab services.
Cathy married Lyle O. Weeks on May 28, 1955, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot and had five daughters. Cathy continued to work at the VA Hospital until the birth of her fifth daughter. She then stayed home to raise her girls. She volunteered her time at Little Flower Grade School, serving as room mother, president of the Parent-Teacher Association and president of the school board. She received an honorary life membership in the North Dakota Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1972. Lyle passed away Jan. 31, 1972.
In 1980 she returned to the work force. Hired by Minot Insurance Co., now Bremer Insurance, as an administrative assistant, she was a familiar face until her retirement in 2007. She loved her "Bremer Family." She will be remembered for her ability to not only recall names and faces but also their personal stories. She had an amazing gift of understanding and was always extending moral support to others through a smile, a kind word and prayers. She celebrated joyful times and provided sympathy during sorrowful times to her many friends and family. Her quiet inner strength, patience and strong faith saw her through the many stages of her life. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and the St. Leo's prayer chain; a rosary was always at her chair-side.
Cathy loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was often heard singing the Irish Lullaby "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo Ral" to them. She enjoyed receiving visits, phone calls, pictures and updates of their lives. Cathy treasured time spent with her sister and friend Mary Montgomery, and her many dear, dear friends who were always there for her.
She cherished her "Bremer Family" and appreciated all they did for her, even after she retired. She also enjoyed the time spent with her many friends from St. Leo's Class of 1951. She so appreciated everyone's love, support and friendship as her health declined.
Surviving family includes: daughters, Kathleen "Kay" (Donald) Weber, Eau Claire, Wis., Judy (Gregg) Kasper, South Ogden, Utah, Jeanne (Greg) Boppre, East Grand Forks, Minn., Michele (Doug) Belfiore, Minot, and Mary (Michael) Campagna of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; grandchildren, Christine (Mark) Anderson, Brian Weber and Eric Weber; Jon (Mackenzie) Kasper, Josh (Jenn) Kasper and Kaitlyn Kasper; Jason Boppre, Patrick Boppre and Janelle Boppre; Shana (Jo) Blowers, Brianna Weeks, Alana Belfiore, Ariana Belfiore and Nicole Belfiore; Merrik Campagna, Rory Campagna and Kira Campagna; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Kasper and Kiley Kasper; Kaia Boppre; and Tyanna Weeks and Riley Weeks; sister, Mary (Frank) Montgomery, Minot; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Gagnon; husband, Lyle; brother, Joseph H. Gagnon; sister, Margaret "Peggy" Lauzon-Cotter; and grandson, Kevin Boppre.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Today, Nov. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil prayer service: Today at 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
