Catherine Ann Benthal

Catherine Ann Benthal, 55, Elgin, died peacefully at home on July 8, 2016, after years of struggles with health issues. She was born October 27, 1960, in Rockford to Colleen and the late Donald S. Benthal, Catherine was also known as “Cath,” “Cat,” and “Aunt Kaki” by her twelve nieces and one nephew. Cath attended Cathedral of St. Peter Grade School, Rockford Alternative Middle School, West High School, and Rockford Business College, where she completed certification to become a travel agent. Cath also spent many years working as a bartender and a school bus driver. Her greatest love was for her family, especially children, as evidenced by her role as an aunt and a “second Mom” to her longtime partner, Gregg Haws’ four children, Jacob, Joshua, Alicia, and AnnMarie, as well as the children whose buses she drove. A fun-loving person, Cath enjoyed a large circle of friends and dearly loved her three cats, Bruno, Cassie, and Gia, who she and Gregg raised as though they were their children. With her colorful personality, Cath had a flair for fashion, friendships, and fun.
Survived by her mother, Colleen; Cat’s partner, Gregg Haws; her sisters, Patricia (James) Goebel and Carol (Daniel) Bingley; her brothers, Stephen (Eileen) Benthal, Donald Benthal, and John (Bob Nelson) Benthal; her nephew and nieces, David, Anna, MaryAngela, Johanna, Michelle, Suzanne, Shannon, Joy, Makenna, Arianna, Fiona, Lily and Ava. Predeceased by her father, Donald.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, 61107. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Saturday at the Church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.