Born February 16, 1945 - August 8, 2021
And 5, 6, 7, 8! If you heard these words from Catherine “Miss Cathy” DeFrances, you know you were trained by the best, most compassionate, and talented dance teacher to ever grace a stage.
Born in New Orleans on February 16,1945 as Catherine Curran and raised in Baton Rouge, she began dancing at the age of 3 and was a competitive gymnast. In 1960, she served as an alternate on the U.S. Olympic team. In addition, her teenage years were very busy – from working as a lifeguard to volunteering as a Candy Striper at Our Lady of the Lake.
In 1971, she married James “Jimmy” DeFrances and they would go on to raise five children. Also in 1971, they opened Cathy’s School of Dance, which would later become DeFrances Academy of Dance. Over the past 50 years, Cathy, along with daughters Gwyn and Angie, created a 5-time national championship legacy and taught thousands of dancers – many of whom went on to have successful careers in the music, theatre, film, and television industries. Greatly respected among her peers, Cathy was named a lifetime member of Dance Educators of America.
Education was a passion for Cathy both in the studio and in the classroom. She taught at the Louisiana School for the Deaf and spent over 30 years teaching at St. Aloysius Catholic School. A devout Catholic, Cathy was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in French Settlement.
Always on the go, the DeFrances family traveled across the country when their children were young. Over the past 20 years Cathy and Jimmy researched and planned many trips to Italy to educate their family on the ancestry of the DeFranceschi Family and connect with their Italian relatives.
A true matriarch, Cathy was blessed with a large family. In addition to her five children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, Cathy treated everyone like family. Chances are you ate at her house at least once, were the recipient of a homemade article of clothing, or were invited to share a glass of wine or limoncello.
After a heroic battle with cancer, she passed peacefully on Aug. 8, 2021, surrounded by the love of her life and her children. “Miss Cathy” to many, Cathy to some, and “Mimi” to those nearest and dearest, her legacy will live on in the hearts of all she touched.
She is survived by her husband, James Edward DeFranceschi, five children: Gywn Singleton DeFrances and husband Gary Kilshaw; Travis Singleton and wife Sarah Singleton; David Singleton DeFranceschi; Angie DeFrances Snow and husband Michael Snow; John DeFranceschi and wife Jennifer DeFrances; as well as 12 grandchildren, James Singleton and wife Lynne; Ashley Singleton; Alex Singleton and wife Jordan; Emily Singleton; Daniel DeFranceschi and wife Madison; Christian Snow; Ethan DeFrances; Jane Singleton; Curran Snow; Jules DeFrances; Siena Snow; and Elizabeth Singleton; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Julius and Gertrude Curran.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pinnacle Home Health that made it possible for Mimi to be comfortable, at home, and in the loving care of her family and friends, with her pups, Bentley and Bogie near her side for her final days.
Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst East at 11000 Florida Blvd on Thursday, August 12th from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Catholic Funeral Mass begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 13th at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Graveside service to follow at Greenoaks Memorial. Pallbearers are James Singleton, Alex Singleton, Daniel DeFranceschi, Ethan DeFrances, Christian Snow and Curran Snow.
