Catherine Lewis Darby was born on May 12, 1928 to Raymond and Catherine Gil Lewis in Houston, Texas. She had a strong love of her family, spurred by her close relationships with her siblings, Mary Ann, Raymond, and Bill. A life long Houstonian, Catherine attended the University of Houston in 1942 and graduated with a degree in Business. During her studies, a handsome man, Henry Darby, caught her eye in the hallway, and she captured his heart with her strong spirit. They married in 1950 and were married for 67 years until Henry’s death in 2018.
Catherine’s career took her to various companies in the heart of Houston where she worked as an executive secretary for Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and Sears & Roebuck. Her propensity for organization and planning allowed her to excel at her duties. She took a leave of absence when her sons were born and returned to work once they were both in school.
Catherine was a devout woman, her faith a constant thread throughout her life. Her love of the church led her to be an avid participant in church community life where she made lifelong friendships and was appreciated for how she built relationships with those around her. She was a member of the founding congregation of St. Augustine Catholic Church and served on the Alter Society, Hospitality Committee, and assisted with fundraising. She always encouraged the spiritual growth of her sons and family and ensured that they went to Catholic schools and had a relationship with God.
Her love for travel took her all over the world - she and Henry sailed around icebergs in Alaska, attended mass with the Pope in Italy, traversed the roads of China, gazed at koalas in Australia, and walked the roads of Russia. They also walked the rolling hills of Scandinavia, touched the soft sands in Hawaii, and delighted their grandchildren with sweeping views of the Grand Canyon.
Through her hobbies, it was clear Catherine was a deeply talented and intellectual woman. She delighted in the arts and was a season ticket holder to the Houston Symphony and Theater Under the Stars. As a voracious reader she was was never without an open book or crossword puzzle. Her deep love of plants allowed her garden to overflow with blossoms and buds that she tended with her skilled hand; nothing made her happier than a walk through the botanical gardens.
Her Louisiana roots shone through in her amazing cooking; she set the bar high with her hospitality and French Silk pies that would await her family when they visited. She also made beautiful clothing for her extended family with her rare talent as a seamstress. She was a woman cut from a rare cloth, and her ever-present smile and wit will be missed.
Catherine is survived by her son David Darby of Nacogdoches, TX and his wife Teresa Darby; her son Stephen Darby of Dripping Springs, TX and his wife Monica Canestaro-Darby; her grandchildren Travis Darby of Austin, TX and his wife Elizabeth Hackler, Matthew Darby of Dallas, Tx, and Stephanie Darby of Austin, Tx; her sister Mary Ann Vogel, her brother Raymond Lewis, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Catherine’s caring spirit has touched all of those around her. She was a generous, nurturing soul who will be remembered fondly.
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