Catherine Ann Hawley

Catherine "Cathy" Ann Hawley, age 55, died peacefully in her sleep on March 5, 2024.  She was born on August 19, 1968, and was lovingly absorbed (along with her brother and sister) into her parents Leonard and Adeline (Konrath) Shilobrit's home. Cathy grew up and graduated from Neenah High School in 1986.  Just out of high school, Cathy met the man who would become a true father to her daughter Rashelle as well as truly her best friend. She and Brian would spend the next 36 years together.

Cathy was an animal lover and adored having them in her home. She was never without a furry friend in her house. She had a heart of gold, and a generous spirit. Her heart and kitchen were always full! Holidays in her home were filled to the brim with treats-so much so that everyone departed with leftovers for days.

She always put everyone else above herself, and her family recalls her selfless nature. She loved her children, but it could easily be said that she absolutely adored her grandkids.  She focused on being a better mom and always sought to improve herself. Spending time with Grandma “Ila Mae” Hawley at the Y was a gift that was provided to both of them. She was so grateful for the time at the Y and the friends she made there. Not enough can be said for the improvement in her health as she worked to move more and get more active.

Cathy loved fishing with her dad even though she didn’t get to do it often. Sharing puzzle time with husband Butch was always top of the list of things to do. She enjoyed reading Danielle Steele novels. The pickle patch was her outdoor pride and joy and she enjoyed birdwatching-especially cardinals.

Cathy volunteered with RU-OK and so enjoyed the chats she had checking in on her older charges. She was also involved in Bible studies and loved the transformative gift they offered. She had a wicked sense of humor and shared it with her pals at the Y and anyone who knew or met her!

Cathy loved her visits to Colorado and spending time with her sister. She absolutely LOVED the Rocky Mountains, though she hated driving in them!  She and Susie dreamed of building a home in the mountains to share their retirement years.

She is survived by her husband Brian “Butch”; children Rashelle, Joseph and Alexandria; and grandchildren Kierra, Isaiah, Kayla and Jada. She is further survived by her siblings Jim Shilobrit and Susan (Mike) Reading, her mother-in-law Ilene “Ila Mae” Hawley; in-laws: Steve (Sandy), Dan (Kathy), Rick, Kevin, Kenny Jr. (Stacy), Doug (Debbie), Luann (David), many other family and friends and furry pal Oliver.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law Kenneth Hawley and nephew Eric Hawley and furry friends: Jasper, Tucker, Shadow, Alpine and Molly.

A funeral service for Cathy will take place on Saturday March 9, 2024, at 11:00am at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 Grand Chute Blvd, Appleton.  There will be a visitation on Friday evening from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Fargo location, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna. Friends may also gather at Appleton Alliance on Saturday morning from 9:00am until the service begins. Cathy will be laid to rest at St Edward’s cemetery in Mackville.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Special thanks to Dr. Werner and the team of health care professionals who so looked after her in recent years.