Catherine Christen

Catherine Christen, a Coupeville resident, passed on April 13, 2006 from heart failure following an operation to repair a fractured hip. She celebrated her 86th birthday last August, and had spent four rejuvenating years at her cozy home in Crockett Lake Estates, enjoying her spectacular western view. She moved from New Jersey to be near her eldest daughter, Jo-Ann Christen, who also lives in Crockett Lake Estates and Seattle.

Days after Kay’s arrival on the Island, she met Maurice Cate, a neighbor and fellow walker. Their attraction was immediate and soon they were inseparable companions, walking, talking, and learning that they had many similar interests and views. They enjoyed four wonderful, happy years together. Maurice was diagnosed with cancer on Thanksgiving weekend 2005 and was being home cared by his two daughters and grandson. Maurice Cate passed on the morning of April 13, a few hours after Kay’s passing. Their spirits were bound by true love, affection, and romance. Catherine and Maurice were active members of the Coupeville United Methodist Church.

Catherine’s family includes daughter Catherine Guilfoyle, husband Peter, grandson Erik and his wife Kate, and grandson Nick, all residing in New Jersey; daughter Nancy Branston, husband Richard, grandson Jeremy and his wife Alice, great granddaughters Harmony and Cheyenne (children of Nanette), all residing in California. Granddaughter Nanette Branston passed last June at age 33. Daughter Jo-Ann Christen and her partner Myth Denzel reside in Seattle and Coupeville.

Catherine served as a Girl Scout leader, sang in The First Reformed Church choir in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey for 30 years, co-founded a sewing club and card club, and held many leadership positions in her local PTA. She worked in office management positions for 25 years in New Jersey following the passing of her husband Arthur Christen in 1976. Catherine had a large repertoire of jokes that she delivered with aplomb. She relished being lively, and cherished the time she spent with her many friends and neighbors that she loved so dearly.

A memorial music service will be held Saturday, May 6, at 5 p.m. at the Coupeville United Methodist Church, Main Street, Coupeville. Pastor Mary Boyd will preside. All those who wish to honor Catherine and Maurice are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hope for the Children of Africa, with checks made out to Coupeville United Methodist Church, 608 North Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239; or WAIF (no-kill animal shelter) at 20168 State Route 20, Coupeville WA 98239.