Catherine Vanek

Catherine "Chatty Cathy" Vanek, 54, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at her residence in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 14, 1963, in St. Louis, daughter of Russell William and Mary Gahn Vanek.

Cathy graduated from Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri, before graduating from Southeast Missouri State University as a music major. Cathy loved music and could play just about any instrument. While at Southeast, she played the piccolo and flute in the Golden Eagle Marching Band, serving as band president for a time. Later in life, the piano became her instrument of choice.

She worked at the Lutheran Home before working at Sav-A-Lot, where she earned the nickname "Chatty Cathy." She always would take the opportunity to strike up a conversation.

Cathy was a member of Eagles Aerie 3775 in Cape Girardeau.

She truly loved her family and friends as well as her cat, Wally.

Loving survivors include her son, Andrew Russell Vanek of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Donna Marie (Roy) Thomasson of St. Louis; the love of her life, her granddaughter, Trynity Vanek of Cape Girardeau; and numerous nieces and nephew, as well as many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Janet Bowman.

Friends may call from 10:30 until the service time Friday at La Croix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Cathy would be honored if those attending would please wear brightly colored clothing for the service; no black.

Memorials may take the form of contributions in Cathy's name to La Croix United Methodist Church.

Local arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.