Cathy Ann Tennant

Cathy Ann Bourgeois Tennant was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was born the 16th of August 1957 to Deborah and Barbara Bourgeois at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Cathy was the only girl in the family of 5 children, often taking on a second mother role among her brothers. Growing up with four brothers fostered her interest in sports such as softball and volleyball which she balanced with her love of baby dolls and stuffed animals. Cathy was a lifelong member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, joining with her family as one of the parish’s earliest members. As a young girl she spent many weekends and summers volunteering at the Rectory, annual Bazaar or after mass.

From an early age Cathy was passionate about helping others, which led to her nearly 40-year career in nursing. After graduating from Waltrip Senior High School, Cathy went on to college at Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science and became a Registered Nurse. Cathy started her healthcare career in Houston’s renowned Texas Medical Center and went on to work with some of the largest hospital systems in Texas. She shared her gift of serving others in neonatal, surgery & ICU and Recovery care. Cathy was conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion. Throughout her career she was often recognized for providing outstanding care and mentoring other nurses.

After devoting close to four decades of her life as a registered nurse she retired to spend time with family and to enjoy well deserved leisure time of other interests and hobbies. Cathy loved to travel and made it a tradition to vacation annually on or around her birthday which began with her children and evolved to include the grandchildren and in laws. Her favorite destinations were Hawaii and Jamacia. Cathy had a lifelong joy of cooking and baking. She spent many years developing her skills and techniques while spending time in the kitchen with her beloved mother. They enjoyed cooking and baking together while preserving family recipes for gumbo and sweet potato pie. Cathy was an avid reader and enjoyed all genres but was most interested in suspense and mystery novels. Those who knew could count on her to always have a book or two on hand.

Cathy was formally married to Melvin Tennant II with whom she shares children Caroline, Matthew and Brian. She was a loving and devoted mother that supported and encouraged her children’s interests. She worked hard to provide opportunities for her children to attend parochial schools, summer camp and various extracurricular activities. She made balancing a career and family look easy. Mom instilled acts of service and giving through leading by example and with action. She made volunteering and donating a family practice. She doted on her grandchildren, that affectionately call her Yaya. As with her children Yaya was loving and caring. She would often be in attendance to cheer on her grands at recitals, sports games and competitions. She always had her camera, either her trusty Polaroid or digital camera on hand to capture memories.

Cathy is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara; and granddaughter, Reign. To cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her daughter, Caroline (Jonathan); sons, Matthew (Tenesia) and Brian (Comfort); grandchildren, Tamya, Matthew Jr., Mason, Jonathan, Rhyann and Camryn. Forever remembered by her father, Deborah and brothers, Gary, Ray, Kenneth and Patrick as well as extended family of aunts, cousins, nieces and friends.

A visitation for Cathy will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 8421 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088. A funeral services will occur Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 8421 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088. A paradise north cemetery will occur Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at COMMITTAL, 10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.