Catherine Gonzaga (Benda) Waters

Waters, Catherine (Benda) age 91 formerly of Bloomington, MN died August 1, 2022 and has been reunited with the love of her life, husband of more than 62 years, John. Raised as one of five children on "Old Acres", the family Century farm in Jackson, MN, Kay attended Jackson schools then went on to graduate from the College of St. Catherine, where she met her St. Thomas Tommie, John and many lifelong friends. Kay and John married in 1953 and, with firstborn, Katy, in tow moved overseas for John's Navy posting as an intelligence officer in Istanbul, Turkey where 2nd child, John, was born. After 2 years abroad Kay and John returned to raise their growing family in Bloomington, MN where they went on to have 6 more children. Kay was a wonderful cook and was expert at making healthful, tasty meals on a budget for her growing horde. Kay cherished each of her children and 17 grandchildren, passing to each of them a love for music, gardening, reading, art, cuisine, travel and, most importantly, family. Kay and John were wonderful parents, enriching their children's lives by enrolling them in ski, swim, dance and music lessons, camps, and facilitating participation in all manner of sporting activities. They took their children by car to Washington, D.C., Canada, New Orleans, Black Hills and the Grand Tetons and on many camping trips each summer. To instill faith and values in their children, they sent them all to Nativity of Mary School and led by example, modelling their deep Catholic faith. Kay and John had many great friends with whom they enjoyed gathering for good food and conversation or a trip to a lake house. Kay played bridge with friends and belonged to a book club for over 40 years. Kay and John loved their siblings and sibling's families and gathered for celebrations with them as often as they could. Kay and John's early married-life abroad led to a lifetime love of travel and interest in European culture. Kay and John travelled extensively throughout Europe, especially in France, making many valued friends. Later in life, Kay cherished winters spent in San Diego, walking in the sun with her sweetheart. Preceded in death by her husband, John, parents, George and Evelyn and siblings Bonnie, Farrell, George and Barbara. Survived by her children: Katy Bohnsack (Bob), John Jr., Terese McCabe (Mike), Mark (Young), Maggie Braun (Karl), Laura Swenson (Paul), Jill, Jim (Lynn) and daughter-in-law Liz; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt), Allie, Anne, David, Laura (David), Caitlin, Jeremy (Brandi), John, Faith, Isabelle, August, Frank, Bridget, Katherine, Joe, Mallory and Brady; great-grandchild Sophia. Memorials to Bridging, Inc. or Sisters of St. Clare, Rochester. Mass of Christian Burial Fri, Aug 12, 10:30 AM at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 9900 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at church and also Thur, Aug 11, 5-7 PM at Washburn-McReavy, Bloomington, MN. We are grateful to the wonderful nursing staff at Fairview Southdale and to the awesome people and place that is N.C. Little Hospice where Kay died surrounded by the love of her family. Kay's departure will leave an empty place in many hearts Here is the livestream link for C Waters' funeral: https://youtu.be/B-s2wyGHh18 People can also find it from Nativity's website: The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin > Ministries > Pastoral Care > Funerals at Nativity of Mary - Praying for the Dead (nativitybloomington.org)

Tributes

Catherine Gonzaga (Benda) Waters

June 30, 1931 - August 1, 2022

Tributes

Catherine Gonzaga (Benda) Waters

June 30, 1931 - August 1, 2022

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