Catherine M. Valek

Catherine M. Valek of Scottsdale AZ died recently at the age of 83.  She was born in Joliet, IL, but lived in Arizona and Wisconsin for about 20 years.  Catherine is survived by her dear brother John (Loretta) Valek of Joliet, and her cherished sister Dorothy (Donn) Pries of Chicago Heights, IL.  Also survived by many beloved nieces,nephews, great, and  great-great nieces and nephews. Catherine will be deeply missed by all.

Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved parents Joseph and Helen (Pisut) Valek, and siblings and their spouses, Edward (Marie), Jerry (Jean), Agnes McKeon (Larry), Joseph "Chick" (Alice), Jim (Lois), Marsha Doyle (Frank), Tom (Amy), and younger sisters Helen and Margaret.

Catherine was educated at Good Counsel high school, Felician College in Chicago, and DePaul University from which she received her Masters Degree in Education.  From 1954 to 1967, while a Felician Sister Mary Edelberta, she taught in a few Catholic schools in Chicago. She  was principal of St. Laurence school in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and St. Damian school in Oak Forest, IL.  After leaving the convent in 1971, Catherine continued in the education field as principal of St. Mary's in Lake Forest IL, St. Peter's in Stevens Point, WI, and Assumption St. Catherine in Chicago until her retirement in 1999.

Catherine enjoyed retirement  by traveling, reading, working puzzles, playing cards, occasionally going to a casino, watching sports on tv, and spending time with her beloved family and friends. She was a super Scrabble player!   In 2008, she moved to Arizona to live with her dear friends Delores Ostrowski and Gladys Wojdyla. Catherine was a faithful  friend to many such as Marion, Marjorie, and Sandra, and many fond friends around the country throughout her life.  Catherine was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2016 and fought a long, hard battle through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.  She was so strong that she lived beyond what her doctors expected.  Catherine's last days were spent in the care of Hospice of the Valley at her home and then at Comfort Care home in Scottsdale, under the care of her hospice nurse, Gina, and Comfort Care staff.  Visits from Laura Erickson, Catie Rodriguez, Anna Harper, Megan Rafferty and Brandon Simpson in the last months of her life lifted her spirit, brought her comfort and for that we are forever grateful!

Services will be held at St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery on July 30, 2018 at 10am in the Chapel.  In lieu of flowers,if you wish, have a mass intention for Catherine, or make a donation to the Cancer Support Center in Homewood IL in Catherine's honor would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Pisut Funeral Services.