Catherine was born March 16, 1935, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of James M. and Mary McNeilly Foley. She married Edward F. Casey, of Springfield, on July 27, 1957, in Tulsa, OK; he preceded her in death on March 30, 1991.
Catherine graduated from Holy Family High School in Tulsa, OK and from St. Louis University where she was a varsity cheerleader and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy. She also obtained her ESL certificate and teaching certificate through National Lewis University. Catherine was employed as a drama coach and speech therapist at Christ the King School and as an ESL teacher at Lincoln Land Community College. Catherine was a member of Christ the King parish for over 60 years where she served as a lector, member of St. Joseph’s Home Coterie, Girl Scout Leader, Right to Life committee and school volunteer. She enjoyed the arts in Springfield participating in the Theatre Center and Mature Mob performer, Muni board, Illinois Symphony Guild of Springfield and committee member of the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. She enjoyed her big family, many friendships, making a short story long, tap dancing, and traveling the world which included Japan, Russia, Israel, sailing in the Caribbean, zip lining in Costa Rica and white-river rafting in her 70’s.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Helen Foley; and brother, James Foley.
Catherine is survived by her eight children, James M. (Leslie) Casey of Houston, TX, Mary Pat (John) Lamb of Edina, MN, Therese M. (T. Michael, deceased) Armstead of Rochester, MN, Frances A. (Thomas) Flood of Indianapolis, IN, Thomas B. (Keri) Casey of Thousand Oaks, CA, Paul M. (Rebecca) Casey of Chicago, IL, Elizabeth A. (Greg) Donathan and Joseph E. Casey, both of Springfield, IL; twenty-three grandchildren, Stephanie (Dan) Biller, Bridget (Joshua) Lamb, Dan (Sara) Armstead, Edward “Casey” (Chaitra) Flood, Frances (Tyler) Armstead, Ryan Casey, Caroline Casey, Brendan (Jessie) Flood, Patrick Lamb, James (Maddie) Armstead, Maggie Flood, Catherine Casey, Kevin Flood, Edward Donathan, Sophie Casey, Cecilia Donathan, Katelyn Flood, Joe Casey, Matthew Donathan, Jack Casey, Nicholas Casey, Mary Donathan, and Lucas Casey; four great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL with The Very Rev. Christopher House, celebrant.
Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King School or Church.
