Catherine “Cathy” A. Waller
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Cathy Waller died on December 6th, 2023. She was born July 24th, 1937, in Hale, Colorado to Leo Devlin and Mamie O’Rourke Devlin. She graduated from Mt. St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, KS in 1959 and earned a Reading Specialist Certificate from Kansas University in 1976. She taught at Gladstone, MO; Grand Island, NB; and retired from the Lawrence Public Schools in 1998 after teaching 20 years in the district.
She married Tom Waller of Seneca, KS in 1960 in Wray, Colorado (he survives)
She is survived by one son, James Waller, Apollo, Florida, and three daughters; Denise Reeves of Buffalo, MO; Mary Kay Van Oort of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Susan Dickerson of Topeka, KS; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Teresa Blach of Yuma, CO, and Margaret Jones of Denver, CO; five brothers: Gene Devlin of Brush, CO; Terry Devlin of Arizona; Rev. Phil Devlin, Holy Cross Priest of Norte Dame; Paul Devlin of Stillwater, OK; and Mark Devlin of Colorado.
Catherine was a member of Corpus Christi Parish where she belonged to Book Club, Chat and Stitch, and took turns leading Children’s Liturgy for many years. She was a published writer who won 2nd place in Best Short Story in 2013 Catholic Press awards.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Habitat for Humanity or Lawrence Homeless Shelter.
There will be a Graveside Service at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery for immediate family.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Thinking of Mr. Waller and Jay, Denise, Mary Kay and Susan at this difficult time.
I worked with Cathy as a fellow reading specialist in LPS. She was so good at what she did, wonderful with those struggling readers, and a great mentor to me.
How sad I am to read that Cathy has passed away—my sympathies to all of her family. Cathy and I worked together in the Chapter 1/Title 1 reading program for many years. What an amazing teacher she was and many children in Lawrence learned to read because of her efforts. We all benefitted from her compassion and her reasoned reactions to difficult situations. I recall her sense of humor, her passion for teaching, and her style. May she rest comfortably in God’s arms.
Coach Waller and Family:
I send my sincere condolences with the passing of Mrs. Waller. Please know my thoughts are with you all as you grieve in loss. I hope you will find peace and joy in your memories.
Clair Keizer
May you and your children be comforted with the knowledge that your wife and mother is safe in the loving arms of God.
Priscilla Reynolds
All of my love and prayers are with you Tom, and family. I have so many fond memories of Cathy ,she was a wonderful person who spread happiness to all who knew her.
Priscilla Reynolds
All of my love and prayers are with you Tom and family. I have so many fond memories of Cathy, she was a wonderful person who spread happiness to all who knew her.