Catherine Marie Vanek

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

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

Cathy graduated from Fox High School in Arnold, MO before graduating from Southeast Missouri State University as a Music major. Cathy loved music and could play just about any instrument. While at SEMO she played the piccolo and flute in the Golden Eagle Marching band that she served as president for a time. Later in life the piano became her instrument of choice. She had worked at the Lutheran Home before working at Sav-A-Lot where she earned the nickname "Chatty Cathy" she would always take the opportunity to strike up a conversation. Cathy was a member of Eagles Aeri 3775 in Cape Girardeau. She truly loved her family and friends as well as her cat Wally.

Loving survivors include a son Andrew Russell Vanek of Cape Girardeau; a sister Donna Marie Thomasson (Roy) of St. Louis; the love of her life, a 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 Friday from 10:30 until service time at La Croix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be Friday, at 11:00 at the Church Cathy would be honored if you 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.