Catherine Elizabeth “Cathy” Farrell Wilson
Obituary
Catherine Elizabeth “Cathy” Farrell Wilson was born June 21, 1954 in Dallas, Texas and died from complications of Parkinson’s disease on October 21, 2022, while in the care of Angel Care Hospice in Plano, Texas. The second of four daughters born to the late Hugh John Farrell and Nancy Elizabeth Chewning, Cathy was all about getting there as fast as possible. She helped create instant traditions as a leader in the first graduation class of Skyline Center High School in 1972. She completed her undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State universities in just three years. Joining the U.S. Air Force upon graduation, she was off to more adventures, playing intermural base football where she’d meet her future husband, Rodney B. “Rod” Wilson, and soon they were taking on marriage and international postings together. Once back in the States, they eventually settled in Colorado where the perfect job for Cathy found her – planning and heading up touring events for current and retired members of the Air Force Academy. In one published interview with those who’d taken her tours, the resounding answer to the question “what is your favorite part of the tour?” was summed up in one word “Cathy!” Colorado also gave her a chance to have lots of four-footed animals in their lives as well as to connect with old friends, especially those from Skyline. Health complications for both led them back to Texas to be nearer to family. Cathy never passed up a chance to delight her nieces and nephews, and eventually their own children, with craft-making extravaganzas and games galore. She was an expert genealogist and helped so many friends and family make connections to their past. In later years, she would use these skills to help locate lost graves in overgrown cemeteries and track down present-day descendants. And if a yard sale or antique store cropped up along the way, all the better for this bargain hunter.
Cathy is predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Nancy, her husband Rod, and her brother-in-law Jerry Ursery. Left to treasure her memory are her sisters, Melissa Holloway (Randy), Sharon van Buskirk and Kim Ursery; her stepdaughter, Tammy Cordero; Aunt and Uncle Sue and Jack Chewning; cousins Liz Barton and Carolyn Elliott; nieces Heather, Nikki, Brandee and Sarah; nephew Joe, and eight great-nieces and great-nephews, with a ninth on the way.
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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If I tried to list all the things my big sister Cathy taught me, the list would fill the oceans. When you are so different from and yet so like someone, and that person is your sister, it makes for a wonderous way to grow up. Cathy had the best of both our parents ranging around inside her. She cared so deeply and yet could tease so skillfully. As can be said for all my sisters, I hope to be just like them when I grow up. May peace be yours.
One additional privilege of friendship and growing up with Sharon from preschool and throughout our lives, has included the joy of acceptance in the wider circle of the Farrell family. Sending love to each of the Farrell sisters, and remembering Cathy as a warm, funny, talented and pragmatic woman. Sharon, I last had the opportunity to chat with Cathy at your house a few years ago, and what a pleasure it was, in spite of the limitations Parkinson’s disease had placed on her. Thankful for her life, and love to you, Kim, Melissa and families.
Her love of animals always made perfect sense to me. She lived a full life and greeted everyone warmly, even if they only had 2 legs. This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you. Love to you all.
Her Uncle Jack and l wanted to say how truly blessed are to have had Cathy as our niece. We will always treasure our memories of her.
Aunt Sue.
Our dear Aunt Cathy, always to be called “Just Cathy” was a force to be reckoned with. Never passing up a chance to tease a relative, play a joke on a passerby, or help a stranger in need, Just Cathy had a heart of gold and a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. She adopted nearly every furry friend she could find and loved her “kids” wholeheartedly. Her craftsmanship & creativeness was always enjoyed by us as kids and passed on to our kids years later. Just Cathy will be missed but never forgotten. We are happy she is reunited with Uncle Rod, Nana, & Papa and know she is setting up tricks for us to endure when we see her again. Love, Nikki (her favorite niece)
I have known Cathy since elementary school and was in the same Class of Skyline in 1972. Cathy was such a big asset in the start of Skyline High School. We all were so very close to each other ever since Bayles Elementary School. Cathy was a very special person to everyone. She was always helping us with our events that we had. It was always great seeing her and made everyone smile. She brought up some wonderful memories of our school years. She is truly missed and will always be missed. We all loved Cathy so very much. RIP our dear friend, we miss you.
We all grew close as a family. Cathy was so sweet and kind. This family will miss her and always remember the great times we had together. Until we meet again Cathy. I pray for all of us and wish her family peace and love.
I was sad to receive this notice in the Dallas morning news obituary about our dear sweet Cathy. We have a close bond from our grade school Bayles Elementary. She was loved by all of us. I was really inspired that she went on to have a wonderful education and beautiful life in Colorado in the military.My thoughts and blessings go out to all of her friends and family.
I’ve known Cathy since 2nd grade. She was so full of life, love and happiness! She truly cared about everyone whose life she touched. So many of my memories from being part of the Charter Class at Skyline are of Cathy and things she was involved in and helped come to life. Even with her illness when she’d come to gatherings she never lost her sweet, caring nature and always left those around her with a smile. She will be missed but what a wonderful, amazing legacy she leaves to her many friends and family. Rest In Peace sweet, beautiful Cathy. You were so loved!