Missing Catherine so very much.  She was my friend, love, guide and muse. The world is better because she lived.

I wrote this poem in Catherine's honor.  She was a great friend to me for 35 years.  An inspiration to all who knew her, and I will treasure her memory as long as I live.






FIRE

You weren't like fire 
You were fire 
A warm glowing flame 
Born to foil the November chill 
A tiny plume of heat and light 
That took and kindled 
Crackling and popping with life 
Growing into an irresistible, undeniable blaze 
Splitting the fearsome darkness 
Like a splendid beaming beacon    

When tears of sorrow 
Menaced you 
When rains of misfortune 
Threatened to douse your energy 
When your light began to fade 
You would smolder and smoke 
Stoke your will 
And feed on even the slightest breeze 
To fan your embers and renew your intensity 
And you would keep burning strong 
With a vindicated glint in your survivor eyes   

How we were drawn to that shine! 
In our blackest nights 
Your spark ignited so many fires 
Your scintillating insight inspired us 
Your ardent passions spurred us 
Your questions and curiosity motivated us 
To abandon our cold logic and dim platitudes 
We drew from your light and heat 
And we grew bright and warm   

Cruel fate may have extinguished you 
But as a single candle 
Can beget countless torches 
Your legacy flame still burns 
In the hearts of all who ever loved you 
And we will never know cold 
Because you were fire    


Dedicated to the everliving memory of 
Catherine Fleming (11/25/1968-5/1/2016)
Â© Thomas Horton, All Rights Reserved

Catherine is one of the truest bohemians in every fashion.   Her intelligence is enviable and her love spellbinding.   I'm comforted knowing she and Tonya Bailey are hanging together again.  Georgia and Iris, sending love and comfort to you!  Know you will never be without her love or her friends presence.  ❤

I am feeling these lessons as I think of Catherine Fleming... Live your life as you see fit. Blossom and grow. Everyday is a blessing. Take time for yourself. No days are promised. Be all of the things you want to be. We are all going to go sometime. Might as well make the most out of whatever hand you're dealt. She certainly did that. Inspiration. Yes. Light up a room. Yes. Love. Yes. Beauty. Yes. Now we go on to find peace. The journey. That's what we have. And what a glorious journey was Cat's life.

She is one of my favorite people in the universe.  I will miss her dearly.  The universe reclaimed one of it's brightest flowers. Love ya.

Georgia and Iris, your Mother loves you very dearly and I know she will live on through your spirit. We are so sorry for your pain. Love, The Fatzingers

I have never known anyone with so much love from so many loving friends. RIP and know how much you were loved and that you made such a difference our lives.

Catherine Fleming was an amazing lady that I had the pleasure to meet in high school. She was an instant friend. I think she was this way with everyone - just a nice person with a wonderful soul. Thankful for the times we were able to touch base over the years. Hugs and prayers to all of her family.

You will be missed my friend...already are.  Iris and Georgia, my deepest sympathies to you.  You are not alone.

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Catherine.  St. Bernard Academy.

Catherine was one of the most beautiful spirits I was ever fortunate enough to know.

You were strong, yet vulnerable.  You were a mother who would do anything for her daughters, yet independent.  Your were oh, so intelligent, yet so willing to learn something new.  You had so many great friends, yet made me feel like I was special.  I can't imagine how much your daughters miss you, yet know they carry within them the independence, search for excellence and confidence you gave them. Your gift to everyone lucky enough to know you is immeasurable and will live forever.

I first met Catherine when she was 16; long before I met and married her brother! She was and always will be a true original; there is no one else like her! Her daughters have inherited their mother's sense of individuality, and I know her loving spirit will always watch over them and guide them. I love you

You had such a beautiful inner light. I know it shines bright on everyone now. I'll miss you Cat.

You were always a bright star and an inspiration. A reminder that there is still beauty and kindness in this messed up world. Iris and Georgia, I am so very sorry for your loss.

I am happy to have finally met you after all these years of hearing about you from David. You were full of energy and life, and I enjoyed our brunch before I made my way to Louisville. Thinking of your daughters as I know the pain of losing my mother at a young age. A mother daughter bond is forever.

So sorry, Iris. I know how hard it is to lose your mom. Praying for your peace.

One of your last messages to me I will never forget because it blessed my heart so much..you said I was one of the strongest women that you knew, what an honour.. but you Catherine were really the most courageous one with all you were able to endure that none of us could imagine going through...yet you kept your spirit bright through out. Rest in great peace as you enter into complete freedom and healing! You have touched and continue to touch many, many lives! We love you and are so thankful my brother Ty brought you to ours. Until we meet again, eternal love, Kelly

OBITUARY

Catherine Ann Fleming

November 25, 1967 – May 1, 2016

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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