Catherine Bridget Maude

Catherine Bridget Maude of Venice, Florida, passed peacefully on August 8, 2024.  

Born November 8, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois to loving parents Bridget Kerrigan and Peter Heneghan. 

Catherine grew up in a fun-filled household on Webster Street in the shadow of Wrigley Field, with her sisters Mary and Annie, and brothers Johnny and Petie.  She worked as a switchboard operator for Illinois Bell for years, demonstrating her Irish “gift of gab.” She met the love of her life, Joe, at an Irish wedding of mutual friends, and then the adventure really began. 

Together they raised seven children in the Edison Park neighborhood of Chicago.  Catherine was known for her steadfast dedication to her family, including her youngest child Julie, who was born with Down syndrome. Inspired by her child's journey, Catherine became involved in volunteer activities raising awareness about the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with special needs. 

Catherine also found time to join Joe and pursue interests like bicycling and running. The two of them rode their tandem bicycle through France, Ireland, Italy and were regulars up and down the streets of Venice Florida for years.  Catherine completed multiple marathons, most notably the Chicago Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, and loved winning her age group in the renowned “Bill’s Beer Run” for years. Always finishing with her wonderful smile.   

Born with a natural talent for communication, she dedicated much of her life to connecting people. After raising her seven children, she returned to phone operator work, joining Cook Electric/Northern Telecom and later Village on the Isle when she and her beloved husband, Joe, "retired" to Florida. 

Even in retirement, Catherine's ability to connect people never waned. She became the heart of a “Florida hotline,” keeping the weekly transmissions from her children, scattered across the country, connected. She was the bridge that brought family together, and her children will forever cherish the memory of her dedicated voice on the other end of the line.  

Catherine was a bright light, a joyful spirit, often the life of the party. Her unique fondness for pork chops, hot dogs and bridge mix candy was legendary. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Her memory will forever be a blessing that will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.  

Catherine is now with her husband Joe who preceded her in death by two years. Catherine will be forever missed by her beloved children Kathleen Berry (Alan), Joseph Maude (Susan), Kevin Maude (Jill), Bridget Reistad (Thom), Margaret Baumgartner, Mary Hartnett (Stephen deceased), and Julie Ann Maude (deceased), 13 beautiful grandchildren, four great grandchildren, dozens of wonderful nieces and nephews. Catherine was preceded in death by her much-loved brother John Heneghan (Kay Finnegan), sister Mary Lally (Marty), brother Peter Heneghan (Mary Duffy), and sister Ann O’Malley (Tom). 

The funeral mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, FL 34285. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to BrightFocus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research.