Catherine Cosgriff McDonald
November 08, 2015
Obituary
Cathy Cosgriff McDonald, a truly remarkable woman whose life deserves volumes to properly tell, left us early in the morning of November 8th, 2015.Born in 1944 Dubuque, IA, to Joseph and Mary Cosgriff, she was raised in Prairie du Chein along with two sisters, one of whom being her lifelong best friend Pat (who loves and misses her ferociously).She went on to college at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and then to a career in education, teaching English first in Decorah, IA, and then on to Darlington where she made her family and her home.First: a husband, Dan, wedded 1971. Then: sons Kevin and Keith. She reduced her teaching to a class of two, dedicating her time to raising, instructing, and generally doting on "her boys" (and ensuring their grammatical acuity par excellence).Several lovely and wonderful years followed, and then some more. There were adventures, happiness, more ups than downs. Then some other things happened. Events ensued. Through which Cathy endured and persevered, heroically carrying her family with a strength few will see in a lifetime.She returned to education, first nurturing a Gifted & Talented program in the Mineral Point School District, and then back to the classroom. Generations of young minds were influenced and lives bettered for their time in Mrs. McDonald's classes.After retiring, she dedicated countless hours taking her love of literature to older generations, establishing weekly reading sessions at several retirement communities and senior care centers, making even more friends among those who sat to hear her read.She is survived by her boys, who miss her acutely and intensely, forever grateful of their fortune to have had such an incredible, strong, and loving mother. Her sister Pat & her family bear an equal if not greater grief, as Pat's years as her sister's best friend date to her very beginning.And so many more. Extended family, friends local and afar and of all ages. Countless students. So many lives she touched, so many sad at our loss, but with so much joy for having known her.We love you mom.~The Boys.A Mass of Christian Burial for Cathy Cosgriff McDonald will be held Friday, November 13, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 104 E. Harriet St, Darlington, a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish with Rev. Thomas Coyle officating. A visiation will be held Friday, November 13, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. until 12: 40 P.M. at the Erickson Funeral Home (formerly the Steil Funeral Home), 206 E. Harriet St, Darlington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
CF
Candi Fitzsimons
Other •
We will miss seeing your mother at the library. She was a wonderful patron and a lovely woman. Our sympathies to you.
RC
Rebecca Thiede Cleary
Other •
Mrs. Mcdonald was one of the most inspirational and loving people I knew. Sending my prayers.
KM
Karen Bredeson Mack
Other •
My profound and sincere sympathy to all who knew and cherished Cathy. Like so many others, "Miss Cosgriff" was my 8th grade English teacher. And what an amazingly gifted teacher she was! She will always be my favorite--full of quiet, gentle encouragement for students and such a positive role model of strength and compassion. She helped so many soar....God's blessings.
SA
Steve & Debra Arnsmeier
Other •
Sending prayers and sympathies. Cathy was a wonderful woman with a heart full of kindness and love. I have very fond memories of the conversations Cathy and I use to share. I have thought about her often over the years. God Bless, you are all in my prayers at this difficult time.
KC
Kay Carl
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your Mom will always have a special place in my heart as we grew up together sharing so many good times. Fond memories never fade. She will always be with us.
JR
Jill Ringen
Other •
I MET YOUR MOTHER WORKING WITH WE CARE AND SEVERAL OTHER GROUPS. SHE WAS AN AMAZING PERSON. WHEN I LAST SAW HER AT THE TOWNE HOUSE, SHE ALWAYS WOULD ASK HOW I WAS DOING...NOT ABOUT HER. SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!!!