Catherine M. LaGrasse

Catherine M. LaGrasse, 76, passed away on August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a
courageous two-and-a-half-year fight with cancer. Those who knew Cathy often described her as one of the sweetest and most selfless people they had ever met. Her life centered around her family, and she was happiest when she knew the people she loved were cared for. Even throughout chemotherapy and the difficult days of her illness, Cathy continued to show up for her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Cathy grew up in Roselle, Illinois, and graduated from the Oak Park Hospital School of Nursing in 1971 before beginning a lifelong career in nursing. As an oncology nurse at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elk Grove, she spent her career caring for patients facing the very disease she would eventually face herself. Cathy and her husband, Lou, were married on May 9, 1981, and built a life together centered around their family. Away from work, Cathy loved her home and garden and took special joy in decorating the house for every holiday, creating traditions her children would carry with them into adulthood. Door County held a special place in her heart, first through childhood trips with her family and later through trips with the family she created. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Cathy was overjoyed to finally see them win the World Series in 2016 with her family - a moment made even more meaningful because her father never had the chance to see it with her. More than anything, Cathy will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind her husband, Lou; her daughter, Katie (Kyle); her son, Mike (Kaelen); her beloved grandchildren, Jake and Adrian; and her siblings, Christine (Steve), Bob (Terri), and Mary (Mike), along with the many family members, friends, patients, and others whose lives were made better by knowing her. Her family will miss her kindness, her strength, and the countless ways she spent a
lifetime caring for them, but the traditions she created and the love she gave will remain with them always.

Visitation: Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 9:30–10:30 a.m.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174

Funeral Mass: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174

Luncheon: Beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Mio Modo
200 S. 2nd St., St. Charles, IL 60174