Catherine J. Ponder of St. Louis, Missouri
July 24, 1958 – June 20, 2024
With grateful hearts for her abundant love and generous spirit, we, the family of Catherine Jean Ponder, share the sad news that she passed away the morning of Saturday, June 20 after long illnesses. Cate (Cathy in younger years) was accompanied during her last days by many friends and family members and died peacefully in the company of sisters.
Born July 24, 1958 to Marian (Bert) and Rose Jean Ponder, Cate is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Maria and Thayne Bradford, Lizzy and Charlie Rock, Lynda and Michael Streb, Eileen Ponder and Michael Grammer, Donna and Michael (of happy memory) Conner, Rebecca and Keith Quick.
Cate is remembered in love and laughter by her nieces and nephews: Anna (Bradford) and Justin Schwartzman, CJ Rock, Jessica and Tessa Streb, Christopher, Robert, Thomas, and Elijah Grammer, Austin and Reanna Conner, Clara and William Quick. She was great-aunt to Miles and Nina Schwartzman, loving godmother to Ryan Snider, Luke Anthony, and Patrick Hecht. She was a much-loved cousin, employer, colleague, and lifelong friend to many.
Cate was a small business owner, and a generous donor to many community organizations. Our “Sister Cate” was a true Renaissance woman whose brilliant mind, artist’s soul, and enormous heart will be long remembered. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Family and close friends will celebrate Cate’s life together on Sunday, July 26. Her remains will be laid to rest at a later time in a private gathering.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: The Catherine J. Ponder Education Fund at Shining Hope Missions
This fund is being established in coordination with Shining Hope Missions to provide trade school opportunities in Haiti, focusing on young women. We believe Cate would delight in knowing that her generous heart and years of hard work continue to bless others. Shining Hope Missions (SHOMI) is a Missouri-based nonprofit organization founded in 2017 to serve and empower communities, families, and children in Haiti. Shining Hope Missions
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