June 10, 1953 – March 28, 2011 After a six month battle with colon cancer, Cathy received her ultimate healing when she stepped into eternity and now walks with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Catherine E. Burch born in Kansas City, MO to Roger and Rose Ann Harmon, the second of six children she always considered herself as being a “middle child” and claims to suffer with “middle child syndrome”. Coming from such a large family she was always geared towards helping others, a quality that she used throughout her life in her constant service and dedication to others. She loved being a sister and forged relationships with all of her siblings and their families that she was honored to have. Her love for her family is one of the qualities that will always be remembered. On November 10th, 1973 she married Michael R. Burch in Tulsa Oklahoma and started her journey to what she considered her goal and purpose in life of starting a family. A marriage that spanned 37 years with the dedication and commitment to the vows that she took, in better and worse, sickness and health, til death do they part, Mike and Cathy were together until the end and Mike got to see the woman that gave him 3 children ushered into ultimate healing and health with her Savior and King in the hopes that they will be together one day in eternity. Cathy was the mother or three children, Leslie Michelle, Jason Robert and Jeremy Ross, all of them with very different personalities, interests and styles she got to see the differences in each but also the likenesses in strength, and grit and love that she instilled in them. She lived for her family and was the guiding star that led them all in good times and bad, she showed them through her own trials that with faith and determination all things are possible and that there is nothing in their lives that God does not provide the strength to endure, a quality that now they are believing and relying on the most. First children then grandchildren, if you could imagine the love that she had for her children then it is hard to imagine that she could love anymore, but ask any of her 4 grandchildren, Brittany Catherine Elizabeth Danielecki, JordanTaylor Alexandria Danielecki, Tyler Robert Burch and McKenzie Lynn Burch, it is possible and she showed them. She loved being Gram and she loved the fact that she could spoil her grandchildren rotten, load them up on sugar and then the ultimate, send them back to their parents. She also taught them that through Christ all things are possible and that they could be anything they put their minds to. Her love for them is immeasurable and the legacy that she set out for her children she got to see passed to her grandchildren. Cathy lived a life that was dedicated to the love and service of others, a life that was filled with many great memories, laughter and endless love. She lived a life that above all else served the Lord and others before ever thinking of herself. A life that left a mark on everyone that she met that cannot be erased. She was an angel on earth and now has been fitted with her wings in heaven and getting to receive the rewards in heaven for the work she did on earth. With loving and heavy hearts we send Cathy on to be whole, healed and dancing in Heaven. Even though the loss is great to those who knew and loved Cathy and those lives impacted by her overwhelming love and generosity her family would like to continue the legacy she started in CapsforCathy. Com We are going to try and continue her giving spirit and constant will to help others through this website and caps. We will continue to offer bespoke caps that will carry Cathy’s story to many more lives. If you would like to help further Cathy’s vision and represent the boldness and grace you can place an order or donate to the cause’s listed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support to continue what she started. A memorial service will be held March 31, 2011 3:00 pm at Alsbury Baptist Church in Burleson, TX In lieu of floral tributes the family requests memorials to www.CapsforCathy.com or the Emery J. Lilge Hospice House in Burleson, TX at www.chot.org.
19 Responses
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Cathy. She was a very special mother and grandmother. I remember spending time at their home when we were in middle school and remember he delicious resturant in Artesia. Jason and Amy are lifelong friends and very dear to us and we want them to know that we love them so much and are here for them. We love you guys
I will keep Cathy and her family in my heart and prayers.
We are so sorry for the loss of Cathy on this side of heaven. Our prayers are with all of you as we fondly remember your friendship and your time in Artesia. May God bless and comfort you.
To know Cathy and and share a piece of our lives with her was an honor. Always positive and willing to help with any assigned task. She was a joy to know. Prayers for comfort to the family at this time.
Cathy will be missed eternally, by her departure she has left a big hole. May her soul rest in peace and may God bless her family with patience.
To know and work with Cathy was great she helped any one in the Williams office any time, my thoughts and prayers are with her and hwer family.
To know and work with Cathy was great she helped any one in the Williams office any time, my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Dear Mike, Ross, and family,
Mike and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Cathy. I will never forget her and I ‘guarding’ the Sprinkles cupcakes at the boy’s TCU tailgate party. Her legendary kindness extended to Tommy during his time in Texas. The Easter Egg hunts, the meals, the pool and the laughter will never be forgotten. Cathy was a special spirit who touched so many lives. God Bless you all,
Kim Holtz, Ft. Collins, CO
Cathy was such a sweet and caring person, friend, and cousin. She always had a smile and positive demeanor. She put everyone else first. She was so giving. I will truly miss her, but know she’s continuing on with her journey with God. She is now reuniting with her parents, grandparents, and cousin, Chip. God bless Cathy. We love you!!!
What wonderful memories I have of Cathy growing up! …such a special cousin, always with that big smile across her face…embracing everyone with her happiness!
Special memories include riding in the back seat of that old Chevy sedan, singing loudly, “Back field in motion…gonna have to penalize you.” All of us girl cousins (and there were lots of us) would be singing loudly, and laughing as we sang our hearts out! ….also fond memories of many Thanksgivings together with the Harmon cousins, sleeping with all the beds lined up in the garage to accomodate a dozen kids! What a great slumber party!
And most recently, I remember hearing all of the beautiful stories of how Cathy welcomed so many people into the Burch family home…always eager to selflessly help those she could…as did the entire Burch family. What an example to aspire to be.
Our love and prayers go out to Mike, Leslie, Jason, and Ross, and to all their spouses and grandchildren that filled Cathy’s life and whose lives she filled. Not to mention also our prayers to Cindy, Connie, Chris, Clark, and Carolyn (and their families) who we love and know are also sharing in this sorrow.
We pray that all the wonderful memories of Cathy’s love and happiness always be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts.
With love,
Jeff, Celia, Ashley, and Paul Homsher
Cathy was a dear, dear friend and I miss her terribly. She always had the most positive attitude about life and would smile through any task whether she hated it or not. She loved her family and was so proud of all of them. All I can say is Heaven is a brighter place. It was an honor and priviledge to call her friend.
As a CPHS Class of 71 mate, I knew Cathy as a beautiful person and positive spirit. I will always remember her smiling face.
Wow!! One of my favorite people in the entire world was “Momma Burch”. I love the entire Burch family, from Poppa Burch, to Big Burch (Leslie), Little Big Burch (Jason), to Baby Burch. I will always hold dear to my heart her smile, her warm heart, and especially that laughter. One thing us boys could do for sure was make her laugh.
Cathy will always be remembered and loved. I love you guys, and will continue to pray for your healing and strength.
God bless you all. He certainly did bless you in giving Cathy to you for all the wonderful years. We have never met anyone like her. Totally selfless, always helping others, always positive. We loved her.
I had the pleasure of working for Cathy at the Purple Sage Restaurant here in Artesia as well as at J. S Ward and Sons. I loved her with all my heart and I was blessed to call her my friend. I will miss her.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to Cathy’s beloved family in your loss. I have fond memories of Cathy in Artesia. She always met everyone with a smile, and you had no doubt how very much she loved her family. I can only imagine how she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. She showed her love of others through the food she created, and I know that there is a feast in Heaven tonight. May prayer is that God grant you peace and replace your heartache very precious memories. They remain with you always. God Bless You!
Cathy was the most extraordinary human being I have ever met and I am humbled and honored to have been her friend. She did not merely “touch” people, she grabbed hold and held on. Her radiant smile, sparkling eyes and enfolding hugs are memories I will always cherish. She is my forever friend and there is and always will be an ache in my heart for her. I wish you comfort in knowing that her struggle is over and that she is smiling down on us all. God bless.
“Beemer”
Carolyn and family,
God Saw You…
by Author Unknown
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, “Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again…
You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Love, The Finnegan Family
To Leslie and family – So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and she raised some great kids. I am so proud of you for being there for your mom, dad and brothers. I wish I was there to give you a big hug. Please remember that you still have the Briseno family in Artesia. May God Bless you and your family always.