BENSON, Ariz. – Bigger than life itself, Cathy Housen-Buck, passed away Feb. 14, 2018 beloved wife of Richard (Dick) Buck of Benson.
She was born April 8, 1949, in Torrington, the third child of nine to G. Keith and Sarah (Sally) M. Smyth-Housen.
Charismatic is an understatement. She could light up a room with her infectious laugh and vibrant personality. Her brilliant smile and sparking blue eyes were a hallmark of her genuine warmth and love. Cathy had a desire to live life to its fullest. She was best for making a grand entrance, had a singing voice that needed no microphone, loved to entertain and help plan a good party. She had a passion for reading day or night and would fall asleep most evenings with her NOOK.
Cathy loved animals of all kinds in extraordinary ways. Her adorable canine companion was Ling-Ling. She was quick to open up her home or heart to someone in need be it a friend or family member with no strings attached. Cathy helped many get on their feet, protected, fed and encouraged them. Her warm embrace and profound sense of caring left all loving her. Cathy’s extended family meant the world to her. She was very proud of her son, grandchildren and every one of her
siblings.
One of Cathy’s most memorable life events was a trip given by her son Christopher to Belfast and County Down, Northern Ireland. There she and Dick wandered streets that her mother Sally’s parents Annie McGrattan and Frances Smyth grew up on before emigrating to the United States in their late 20s. A most wonderful trip.
Cathy graduated Torrington High School 1967. She was a band member, Prom Queen and a member of Honor Society. She attended Saint Rose Catholic Parish and in 1968 moved to the San Francisco area where she attended Chabot College. She was married in 1971 to John Justema, gave birth to a son Christopher in 1973 and was divorced in 1981. Cathy worked in retail and corporate sales, administration and was an entrepreneur. She remarried June 17, 1990, to Richard (Dick) Buck of Lakeview, Ore. She lived at various times in California, Oregon, South Dakota, Mexico and Arizona. She retired in 2007, in 2014 she traveled between South Dakota and Los Barriles, BCS, Mexico and in 2017 relocated to Benson.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Richard Buck, Benson, son Christopher (Elizabeth) and granddaughters Harper and Barrett, Bend, Ore. Two step-daughters, Cristy Sawtell (Jim) and granddaughter Trinity, Oregon, Laurie Ann Hearte (Tim) South Dakota, four sisters, Vivian Johnson (Steve), Montague, Calif., Miriam Jacobson (Bill), Eugene, Ore., Teresa Morrison-Housen, Alameda, Calif., and Mary Ryan (Marty), Langhorne, Penn., and four brothers, Tom B. Housen, Monterey, Calif., Bart Van Housen (Jacquey), Alameda, Calif., John B. Housen (Jill), Middletown, N.J. and Joseph K. Housen (Becky), Dexter, Ore.; 11 nieces and nephews and many cousins living in Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Nevada, Washington
and Alaska.
Our hearts are full, knowing that Cathy is now with her Mom, Dad, Brandt (nephew) and Sabra (step-daughter) watching over us all. Cathy’s husband, son, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will miss her high energy, wit and humor. Cathy packed a lot in her 68 years. She will be sorely missed.
Graveside Catholic Christian service will be held at West Side Cemetery, Lakeview, Ore., May 12, 2018, promptly at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life for Cathy will follow graveside services at the West Side Grange Hall, Lakeview. Potluck with traditional BBQ and adult beverages provided, bring your favorite side-dishes. Memorial donations may be made to the West Side Cemetery, Lakeview Oregon.
