Catherine E. Franco, 81, of Seneca, passed away on September 18, 2024, at the Life Care Center of Seneca.

Born on January 29, 1943, in Blue Rapids, KS, she was the daughter of Earl and Helen Hodges Peterson. Catherine attended school in Blue Rapids until her sophomore year when the family relocated to Lyons, KS, where she graduated from Lyons High School in 1961. She began her career as a nurse’s aide at the Marysville Hospital and continued at the Lyons Hospital.

On August 27, 1966, Catherine married James Neville at St. Paul Catholic Church in Lyons. As a military spouse, she lived in Hawaii and Fort Dix, NJ, before they divorced in 1975. Returning to Blue Rapids, she worked in several nursing homes in Marshall County, including Mary Marshall Manor in Marysville.

Catherine had a deep love for animals, especially horses, cats, and dogs. She often reminisced about her childhood horse, Pal, and her beloved calico cat, Molly, who famously caught a bird but never harmed it.

On October 5, 1978, she married Carl Franco in Washington, KS. They lived briefly in Coon Rapids, MN, before returning to Marysville. They later divorced. Catherine moved to Seneca in 1986, where she was employed by Heideman Locker until health issues prevented her from working.

A devoted member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society, Catherine also volunteered at the Sts. Peter & Paul Mission Center. She loved to read and was the proud owner of three cats and a rabbit.

Catherine is survived by her two sons: Michael (Jodi) J. Neville of Kansas City, KS, and Barry (Jessica) Franco of Seneca. She was given the last rites by Fr. Arul Carasala and will be fondly remembered by her family and friends.

Catherine’s wishes were to have cremation take place and then have a memorial mass which will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca at a later date. Inurnment will take place at the Prospect Hill Cemetery south of Blue Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sts. Peter & Paul Mission Center. She will be dearly missed and remembered for years to come.