Catherine Marie Simpson

Catherine “Cathy” Marie DeWalt-Simpson joined God, her Grandmother Betty Wood, her Mother Jean DeWalt, and her brother Michael DeWalt in Heaven on April 14th, 2021 at the age of 63. 

 

Cathy was born on September 28th, 1957 in Texas City, TX, the 3rd child after David and Deborah. Michael and Stephen joined the family soon after. Cathy enjoyed special relationships with all 4 of her siblings and eventually their spouses (Yvonne, Rick, Lisa and Virginia) and her nieces, (Michelle, Patricia, Elizabeth and Rebecca). Her heart truly belonged to her mother, Jean. Although they didn’t always see eye to eye, their relationship blossomed over the last several years and they grew to not only love each other, but to need each other as well. She loved pushing her limits, and saying risque things to cause Jean to raise her eyebrows and shake her head.

 

In the fall of 1983 after meeting Walter, Cathy became a mother to her daughter, Samantha. As Samantha grew up, Cathy taught her the simple joys of life, such as: driving around with the windows down and singing (poorly!) at the top of her lungs, “making” cookies only to lick the beaters and eat half the dough before it was baked (something she loved doing with Debbie also), and having a deep love for all animals. When Samantha married Brian, Cathy was SO happy to have a son-in-law who shared her love for corny jokes. Cathy often called Samantha only to say “tell Brian this joke!” and quickly hang up after.

 

Cathy was most proud of her title as a Grandma. She loved spoiling Allie Jean and Ella Marie more than anything else. She never came empty handed when she saw them, she always had a bag full of treasures to give them. The girls will always remember having tea parties with her, and cherish their stuffies and trinkets. They are anxiously awaiting the perfect day to fly the kite she had just given them.

 

Cathy was a collector, and found joy in finding not only things she loved, but also things she knew others would enjoy as well. She liked reading James Patterson books, and doing the crossword puzzles in the paper (something she shared with her mother). She LOVED animals, and held a special place in her heart for Ricky, Mia, Zoe, Harry, and Molly. She snuck them treats when they weren’t supposed to have them, and happily got Mia addicted to Fancy Feast. She showed empathy to everyone she met and somehow knew how to make you laugh and feel better. Cathy also had a wonderful way with words, and never sent a card without adding her own thoughtful message or quote she had found. She loved telling stories, even if some (ok, many) parts were exaggerated. She put others before herself, and would give the shirt off her back, a meal, or her last dollar to someone in need. She loved lottery scratchers and casino visits.

 

Cathy also held a very special place in her heart for Chris, Shirley and the Noles family, along with many friends. 

 

She will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Mom… “Heck of a deal…”

 

A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, 5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM. Inurnment to follow at Sandia Memory Gardens, 9500 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Catherine's name to your local animal shelter.