Catherine R. Link

Catherine Ryan Link, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully in her home on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 6:05 p.m. Catherine was born July 9, 1918, in Winchester, IL, to Richard and Mary Farrell. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Raymond, Francis (wife, Jeanette) and John Ryan; and a sister, Mary Agnes (husband, Jerry) Schwalm. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Joseph V. Link of Springfield; eleven children, Karen Link (husband, Tom Howard) of Albuquerque, NM, Joan Link of Denver, CO, Frank Link of Springfield, John (wife, Kathy) Link of Springfield, Kathleen (husband, Carl Landow) Link of Vienna, VA, Beth (husband, Tom) Lukes of Albuquerque, NM, Ann Hosteny of Springfield, Rosemary (husband, Tom) McCabe of Cumming, GA, Mary Pat (husband, John Strohm) Link of Denver, CO, James (wife, Suzie) Link of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Mark (wife, Jean) Link of Denver, CO; thirty-eight grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren. In life, Catherine exemplified that love is patient and kind, never seeks its own interest, is not quick-tempered, brood over injury, or rejoice over wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. We rejoice in the love Catherine faithfully and generously shared with us as spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend. May we be as faithful and generous as she in sharing the love entrusted to us by God through her with our spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and all people we are blessed to come to know. Funeral Mass: A Holy Mass of Resurrection will be offered for Catherine on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 11:30 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut Street, in Springfield. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Gathering: Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Church before the Mass from 10:00-11:15 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick School, 1800 S. Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62703.