Catherine D. Greene passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, surrounded by family and those who loved her most. Cathy was born September 27, 1969, in Marion, IN but was a longtime resident of Sanford, FL. For years, Cathy courageously battled an illness yet, despite great difficulties, she never complained. She remained dedicated to her work, and always put the needs of family and friends ahead of her own, no matter the cost.
Cathy excelled in school. She attended Purdue University and went on to attain a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Cathy took immense pride in her work. She worked for Select Rehab for 30 years. She was a dedicated, loyal, highly valued member of her company who rose to a senior management level as a Division Vice President. Her employers and colleagues were family to her, and she treasured so many including Anna, Neal, Mike, Mindy, Peter, and several of her nearest and dearest coworkers.
Two of Cathy’s greatest passions were animals and going to concerts. Her favorite bands included Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, The Eagles, and many more. Cathy also cared deeply for animals and cherished her dogs. Through the years, Cathy worked with several rescue organizations to adopt and care for many dogs including Fisher, Swagger, a Great Pyrenees whom she affectionately referred to as “Big White Fluffy Dog”, as well as two retired Greyhounds, Frannie, and CeCe. She also provided a loving home to an abandoned Great Dane named Maddie. Cathy enjoyed walking her dogs throughout the neighborhood and would stop and chat with countless neighbors who knew and loved Cathy and her dogs.
Cathy’s greatest joy in life was going home to Indiana for family gatherings. Everyone in the family looked forward to her visits and spending time talking and laughing with her. Cathy deeply loved her six sisters and one brother and adored her many nieces and nephews. She was an excellent listener and was always eager to hear about what was happening in everyone’s lives. Cathy had a gift in offering words of advice, encouragement, sympathy, understanding and support.
Although it took heroic effort on her part, Cathy used her last bit of energy to come home to Indiana for one last visit which gave her family a chance to say goodbye and express our heartfelt and immeasurable love for her. We are profoundly grateful for this last sacrifice on her part. Remaining true to her character, Cathy selflessly saved the lives of others as an organ donor.
Cathy will be missed beyond measure by all who loved and cared for her so deeply. Her kind and gentle soul touched the lives of many. She went out of her way to help people. She never asked for anything, but always gave generously and graciously with no desire for attention or recognition. She is irreplaceable.
Cathy is survived by her mother, Sheila Ragon of Marion; her brother, Michael (Barb) Ragon of Marion; her sisters, Bobbi Ragon of Virginia, Anita (Don) Wegman of Marion, Stephanie Seyring of Fort Wayne, Kimberly (Timothy) McKnight of Wabash, Heather (Bill) Lomely of Marion, Whitney Ragon of Fairmont; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Ragon.
A memorial visitation will be on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN
Immediately following the visitation, a memorial service honoring Cathy’s life will be held at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Downtown Pet Hospital 110 Weber St., Orlando, FL 32803 www.downtownpethospital.com or the Greyhound Ranch P.O. Box 95023 Lake Mary, FL 32795 greyhoundranch.org to assist in the care of Cathy’s greyhound dogs, Frannie and CeCe. Please be sure to note their names in a note with your donations.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.