Cathy Clarry Obituary

Where do you keep all those smiles? You always have one for me when ever and where ever we meet. Do you save the ones I give you? No, you must pass them along to others and get new ones for me, because the smiles you give to me are always so fresh and special. I know, you must have big pockets. No wait, just a big heart. Where do you keep all those smiles?



Where do you keep all the songs? Some you sing to share with others, others you sing when you're alone to remind you're self how lucky you are. Still others you sing when you're sad, and it makes the sadness vanish. Where do you keep all the songs?



Where do you keep all the flowers? You grow them in your garden for all the world to see. You keep some on the table to grace the evening meal. You wear one in your hair when you feel whimisical. You share them with friends to bring them cheer. Where do you keep all the flowers?

it's time i write a sweet farewell to my best friend, my college roommate, my sidekick, my humor, my loyal and true, Cath. i can't say goodbye; everywhere i look i see evidence of her every, "HI, WHAT'S UP?", her stubborn refusal to let life get her down, her wicked grin and willingness for mischief.

from the very start we were in/or getting in trouble, the athlete and the artist. in her first letter to me, she said, "if opposites attrack, we're golden". we were. for 31 years and many memories into the future. i loved her dearly, as much as a sister. she always had a patented reply to "if i die." she planned to go "south" and sit at the bar, "because that's where all my friends will be!" i don't think south is were she went, but hopefully the jazz and folk greats and foregone kitties have found her and the peanut shells are piling up on the floor! i raise my chicago "honker's ale" to her! one of the best we'll ever know! ali "al"

Sincere condolences to Cathy's family and friends.

I first met Cathy at one of the dance weekends, probably Lansing or possibly Toronto. She was always so much fun to be around and yet serious too. We often shared teaching stories, especially in June or August. Sadly though, our skating family has lost another valued member. We will all miss her.

"Just like an Angel, you came into my life one unforgettable weekend, 29 years ago, and swept me away from my far-too-loud-and-busy World. Quieting my mind, enchanting my dreams, and showing me what love can be....Cathy, you were always a great friend, and I'm sure you are an Angel now.

Cathy could walk across a room full of ball bearings and remain loose and limber enough to stay on her feet...she was a skater! The fate of her fall is still surreal to me (and I've had a war story or two myself). Calendars, day planners and Palm Pilots are an illusion; even as we make entries, we know we may not keep them. Cathy had a natural, 'no holds barred' approach to life and her skating talents. She always welcomed me with a hug at our dance w/e encounters. Her unique presence will be missed but with all who are left behind, her spirit will be remembered as we say our tearful farewells.

Cathy had the intellect, physical ability, and passion to embrace everything she did. Many years ago, Cathy invited me to join in a dance weekend in Orillia, Ontario... that was the beginning of many memoriable times with her.



She was always up, and enjoyed the friendship and fun when around her fellow skaters. She will never be forgotten.

We, her close Canadian friends, will never, ever forget the very real and very honest and very sincere and lasting friendship we had with Cathy. She remains very special to all who shared her enthusiasm and love. We will miss her very much.

Richard Crowder

Harvey D'Agincourt

Kevin Lethbridge

Sharon Rigby

Margaret Murray

Will miss your smiling face at dance weekends.



So sorry. Barb D.

My first time to meet Cathy was also my first Dance Weekend - Lansing. She encouraged me to dive right in and do the dances I knew. As the years passed, we saw each other at Dance Weekends and lately at Test Sessions and little Competitions. She always had a succinct remark to cover the situation. The world will miss her humor and her ability to be encouraging to others. She will be attending the Dance Weekends in spirit throughout the years.

Cathy was my friend and my mentor. Her memory will remain in my soul all of the days of my life.

We were very sad to hear that Cathy has left us. We will miss her smile on the ice rink. We extend our love and prayers to her family and her close friends.

I met Cathy for the first time at the Lansing Dance weekend-- what a party! Dancing all day and partying out by the pool all night. Cathy, of course was in the middle of it all. Two to three times a year we would hook up again at a dance weekend and start again as though we never left off. Always the center of the party with her sarcastic wit and passion for the ice and dancing- both on and off the ice! I know that she will be with us in spirit and that she will be kept alive in all of our memories.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend Cathy. Her wit, energy, and talents made our lives better. Dance weekends were always more colorful with Cathy around. I'm sure her spirit will be with us at our ice dance weekends this year.



Paul and Michelle Harvath

What can I say, Cathy will be greatly missed! I know her from dance weekends for the last 13 years. It was always great to watch her skate. My prayers and thoughts are with Jack and all of her friends that she left behind.

Cathy you lived a full life and gave so much to so many. It's said you can judge the calibre of one's life by looking at the number of lives they influenced. Many people remember you Cathy and keep your memory in their hearts. You are remembered by your students as caring, knowledgeable, full of fun &reachable.... and you will live on in the lives of your students, your friends, fellow judges and fellow skaters. You showed a love of life, a great sense of humour, a caring and dedication, and a great ability as both an ice dancer and as a figure skating judge.

You are remembered by us as vying for 'the life of the party'. Your sense of humour, your love of life and your caring for others was so evident. We remember you in August leaving the Mariposa Dance weekends, heading to the USA border to get your 'case of Canadian beer' and rushing home to be ready to begin the school year.

On the ice we remember you introducing the Canadians to "The Chicago Kilian" and how as the music played on and on and on with the speed varying you'd be out in the midst of the young people demonstrating your stamina, your competetive nature and your skill in doing double choctaws!!! And how you loved to dance to the Rock and Roll music of the 50s and 60s.

We remember listening to your sage advice on how to improve a skill on the ice. You were always there to listen, to encourage and to support. Your presence will be missed dearly, but you live on in the hearts of those whose lives you touched.

Cathy taught me a lot about skating. She taught me the Silver Samba, and helped me with the Tango Romantica, but more importantly she taught me to have fun with skating and skaters. She took me to a number of dance weekends when I was just a teenager and still too young to go on my own, and we always had a great time. I called her "mom," and she called me her kid, and I was honored. She introduced me to some crazy Canadian skaters which eventually led me to meet my husband. I am very thankful for her friendship and will miss her very much. I will be looking for her to come flying around the ice for years to come.

She was a great skater, a great judge, and a wonderful friend. I will miss her forthrightness, her love for her kitties, the way she knew how to have fun, and many more things that made her special. She was taken from us much too soon, but I am thankful that she shared so much of herself with so many people while she was here. Cahty, I hope there is ice for you in heaven!

What a truly vibrant, passionate, and dedicated woman Cathy was. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

It was a great shock to hear of Cathy's so premature and sudden death. Not long ago I judged with her and it is hard to believe this wonderful person will not be with us any longer. She was a great friend and one of the most energetic and lively people I ever knew. We will all miss her so much. [email protected]

It was truly shocking to hear of Cathy's passing while we were in Dallas at the National Championships she was hoping to attend as an aspiring Trial Judge for her National appointment. My condolences to Jack and all her loved ones. We are never ready to lose a friend.

To Your Dear Jack and Family & All Of Your Friends. You are going to be greatly missed by all. I can't believe you are no longer with us..it just hasn't hit me yet...it happened all to fast..I will always remember you flying around the ice rink at great speeds like nothing could ever stop you and partying at all the dance week-ends until everyone was gone. Thanks for all the wonderful memories...I will never forget such a cheerful, caring & giving lovely woman. It was way to soon for you to leave us all. Now I know you are in a much better place.

I will remember all of you in my prayers.

Dear Jack, family,Lourdes faculty members and students, and skating friends of Cathy,

I stand with you all in this sorrowful moment as we eulogize this feisty , full of life woman.

I remember daily coming down the third floor of Lourdes and finding my classroom door open and Cathy's Sun-Times on my desk to read and her stopping in my Religion classes to give a wry comment of what ever topic we were discussing.

Those moments are as close to me now as if it were but yesterday .

Thankyou, Cathy,for your vibrant presence in our lives. May the fullness of God's life now be with you.

Cathy was a great person. Skating will miss her as will all her friends.

So many things defined you, Cathy. Your love of skating, sailing, teaching, friends, jazz, Chicago, movies, and finding the best piece of pie in a roadside diner.

I'm certain that you've taken heaven by storm, as you've never been one to "coast" thru life...you're probably skating circles around the clouds already.

What tragic news to learn of Cathy's passing. I have known her through figure skating for many years and have fond memories of both judging with her and skating with her at dance weekends. She will be remembered as a long time friend who showed great tenacity for her teaching career, for dedication to our sport and for her striving to make it better. She was strong in spirit and her presence among us will certainly be missed.



My condolences to Cathy's family and her many friends.



Michael Fisher

I didn't get to know Cathy until recently - last summer, really - but I'll always remember her dry sense of humor and candid way of talking. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. What a loss.

What a shock...



I was very saddened to learn of Cathy's passing. She was such a vibrant, positive woman and friend.



When I moved to Chicago from the East Coast, she warmly welcomed me into the Chicago Skating scene, and was always there to greet me and my family with a wonderful smile and happy word.



Cathy's impact on young people is incalcuable. Both as a teacher in the school system and as a dedicated volunteer in the sport of figure skating.



We are all better people for her influence on us, and "our collective children" have sufferred a great loss, that sadly, none of them will ever recognize, if only because of the fact that they will never get the chance to know her.



Cathy, I miss you, and wish you could have stayed with us longer.



My family and I share our best wishes to your extended family (of which we like to think of ourselves as members) and to all who have the wisdom to realize what a tragic loss your passing truly is to the world.

Cathy was a great friend and a great skating judge. We can all take comfort in knowing that Cathy will have music and refreshments waiting when we get there!

I don't know what to type because I still haven't really had it sink in. She was such a great woman and I think she still is. She was kind to all, and a friend to every student she knew. Even when I was a little sophmore handing her the attendence sheet, she always smiled and asked me how I was. On Monday, even though she had a class, she asked me how my weekend went, without fail. Most of all when she wasn't my teacher any more she listened to me and emailed me back.

We love her, and miss her dearly. I know I do. But she will forever live on in our hearts never to be forgotten as we move on in life.

It was an honor and a privledge to know Cathy and to get a chance to judge with her. My condolonces to the family. She touched many lives in a very positive way.

I went to junior high and high school with Cathy and remember her fondly. My deepest sympathies to all those she loved.

Cathy, the sensitive, caring and thoughtful lady, may you glide into heaven on the strong clean edge that was your style. You have enriched many lives by our having the privilege of knowing you. Our prayers are with you and your family.

I will certainly miss Cathy. I loved calling her and leaving her a message at home and she would mention the cat is at the Cubs game or something. I'd tease her about they should be Sox fans. I don't think I ever met Cathy in person. A mutual friend gave her my phone number and I have been doing all her travel arrangements for many years. From vacations, to visiting her father in Florida, to judging skating competitions. Always a pleasure to talk to and share travel information with. What a friendly wonderful person. My condolences to her family and friends. I pray that heaven has a skating rink for her. God bless.

I was very honored to know Cathy through judging and especially as a wonderful friend. love 'ya gal, Joyce

You will always be remember very kindly.

Cathy,

I hope the Little Blue Nun was

at the Pearly Gates to greet you as

you entered the Great Big English

Class in heaven. Requiescat in pace!

Ms. Clarry was an outstanding english teacher, she was always there to listen to us no matter what the problem was.She is gone but not forgotten. She'll always be in our hearts.

~R.I.P.~ Ms. Clarry

MY DEEPEST CONDELENCES TO CATHY CLARRY'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON TO KNOW AT LOURDES. VERY FRIENDLY ALWAYS HAD A NICE THING TO SAY ABOUT EVERYONE.. I WILL TRULY MISS HER ALOT AT LOURDES... I WILL KEEP THE CLASSROOM CLEAN FOR YOU MS CLARRY.. GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

Our deepest condolences go out to Cathy's family and friends. Her father and mother were dear friends with my parents and Cathy and our family grew up together picniking at Axehead Lake Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. We got together often on Sunday afternoons while our parents along with other neighbors had what they termed mass--Bloody Marys and scrambled eggs. And as Cathy excelled in skating, we were often there to cheer her on! She will be missed.

Deborah Verlench

We express our deepest regret for this early arrival to eternity.

My condolences to Jack and her family. Cathy was a good friend and she will be missed. You are all in my prayers.

Cathy was my next door neighbor for 11 years. Although we were not friends, I came to know Cathy as a responsible, friendly, reliable, helpful, energetic, happy person. The last time we spent any time together was when she helped me catch a tiny stray kitten that was hanging out on our common front porch. With Cathy leading the way we ran through the neighbors' yards and under their porches trying to trap this little animal. After she gave me my house keys back when I moved out I sat down on my steps and cried, because I realized what a wonderful neighbor she was and how I'd probably never have another like her. I did not know much about her factually, like where she grew up or even how old she was, yet I probably knew the most important thing, that she was a genuinely good person. Her untimely departure is a loss for the world. I miss her more than she will ever know.

I am greatful to have known Ms. Clarry. She made sure the seniors never slacked off in her class. There was never a dull moment in eighth period English, or homeroom.

As a young girl/teenager, Cathy was a friendly, encouraging role model at Michael Kirby's ice skating school. Never self-centered or showy, she was liked by everyone, and we enjoyed some very happy skating experiences. She recently re-entered my life after 30 years, when I took up skating again. As a skating judge, she was compassionate, professional, skilled, and encouraging. Clearly she was well respected and highly regarding by the entire skating community. I was looking forward to creating many new shared skating memories with her. She will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jack and all of Cathy's friends and family. May God's peace be with everyone at this very difficult time. Mary Iannucilli

Cathy was a wonderful friend, bringing joy, love, and support to everyone she knew. Her time with us was too short and she will be sorely missed. I thank God that we were friends for many years and wish her peace.

I remember Cathy way back at Michael Kirby Ice Skating School in Park Ridge. She moved up in the skating world and was always a genuine human being.

Ms. Clarry was a fun english teacher. Even though I slept through most of film study..It was at 6am..I think she understood..Thanks for the fun times Ms.Clarry...Rest in Peace

Love, Jennifer class of 1996

I HAD THE HONOR OF HAVING MS. CLARRY FOR 2 YEARS. EVERY TIME I SAW HER SHE WOULD LIGHT UP MY DAY WITH A BIG SMILE. I LOOKED FORWARD TO GOING TO HER CLASS EVERY TIME. SHE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TEACHERS AND SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. LOVE GINA CLASS OF 91.

I can't even begin to express my deepest sympathy. Ms. Clarry was an absolute inspiration. She was my creative writing teacher in 1992 and the only person at that time to encourage me to write poetry and stories. She believed in me and guided me in my pursuit of writing. I have always kept her in my thoughts. She will be greatly missed. There's a quote I would like to share by George Garrett...

"Years and scars later

I've come to realize

That all Angels travel

Under assumed names."

Cathy was a long-time member of our church's monthly song circle, "SING THING," who not only shared her love of good songs, but her indomitable wit, charm and spirit. As Woody Guthrie put it in one of our favorite pieces, Cathy, "So long, it's been good to know you."

Having known Cathy as a singing buddy for some 20 years, I was shocked to learn of her untimely death. I will sorely miss her wit, her humor, and her kindness. Now she is one with the earth.

May you find peace and restfulness in your everlasting life.

May the angels guide you as you skate safely up to heaven. May you rest in peace. I will miss you.

I am happy to say that I was one of Ms.Clarry's English Students. She was a very good teacher and influenced a lot of young ladies. She always had a smile on her face as you walked into her class. I will always remember her. She will be deeply missed. Love Julie Class of 1992.

I had the honor of being in Ms. Clarry's homeroom for my Senior year. She was always there to greet us with a smile and gentle admonishment for being late and out of uniform. You touched many lives from the class of 1991 and you will be greatly missed.

We knew Cathy as a young adult when she and several members of our family skated at Michael Kirby's Ice Skating School in Park Ridge, Illinois. Over the years, we had lost touch with her, but recall that she was always a pleasant individual and a joy to know. She will be greatly missed.

Ms.Clarry.... She was a great devoted teacher and friend. Rest peacefully, you'll be missed and loved very much!

Ms. Clarry was an incredible teacher. She taught english and she taught about life. I will miss her dearly. She was a great spirited woman and it is sad to see her go. I will never forget the days in honors and A.P. english with her. Those classes were the highlight of the day because of her presence. I loved how she wore funky socks, and never thought ill of me for what I did. Good bye, and rest in peace.....love always, michelle

Ms. Clarry...She was a great teacher, she taught us many lessons not only through our english books but she also taught us lessons on life. She may have gone to a better place but she will continue to live in our hearts. For all the laughter we had in her classes to her yelling at us to get us back in line...Ms. Clarry may the sun shine on you always and may you smile down upon us always

~RIP~ CATHY CLARRY

Cathy was an inspiration to all those that met her. She was an active member in the figure skating world and always offered her help and support to skaters, coaches and teams. She was an avid supporter of the Starlights Syncronized Skating teams and showed great pride in their accomplishments. She will truly be missed in this world, and she will live on in the hearts of all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. All my love.

Cathy was devoted to Figure Skating. She was an asset to Skokie Valley that will be missed by everyone. In her quiet charming way she helped skaters of all levels - Judging, critiquing, or just being a friend. Cathy will be missed by many.

I am very greatful to have known Ms. Clarry. She is the only reason why I went to college, and I thank her everyday for influencing me to go. She was a great, strong woman, and she will be greatly missed.

May she rest in peace.

Ms. Clarry. Rest peacefully, you will always be in our hearts. A great teacher and friend, we all love you soooo much!

I thank God for sharing Cathy's life with me and so many others. She was one of the finest, most selfless people I will ever know.



Peace to all who miss her.