Cathaleen Rich Obituary

Cathal was a wonderful friend. I used to love walking into her home when she had just started a painting. It would go from a blank canvas to something beautiful and whimsical in minutes. We had so many good times and so many memories. So much love.

My heartfelt condolences to all of you Riches, Michaels and Byrnes. Cathaleen certainly inspired many with her art, her deeds and her life. She was a unique and beautiful woman. May she finally rest in peace.

My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with your family.

Although I have not seen Cathleen for years, she was in my mind several times in the days before she died. Recently, I took a pilgrimage to visit another contemplative who reminded me of Cathleen’s intellectual courage, enourmous wisdom and creativity and pixie-ish good looks. I was reminded of how Cathal’s leadership helped me and many women unearth their wisdom.

Cathal’s death makes me deeply sad, it’s my/our loss. However, for her it’s a new beginning full of potential and joy and an end to a harsh struggle. So I celebrate this delightful transition. How apt that she makes it at the fall equinox, a time of death, a time of deepening and descent into the richness of our earthliness.

Please accept my condolences, for all those who have been Cathal’s companions in this journey. I am deeply grateful for her, her family and her life. It’s certainly been an essential element in my formation as a human being.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

I will miss Cathleen,she has been an inspiration to me, my thoughts are with the whole family.