Catherine Woodburn

Catherine Woodburn, 21, geologist, astronomer, collegiate rower, coach, costumed superhero, and artist, passed away unexpectedly of a stroke on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Boulder, CO. She was born on August 16, 1997, the middle daughter of Sarah and David Woodburn. Her bright and energetic light will be sorely missed by family and friends. Catherine was the quintessential middle child, the family peacemaker; she was empathetic, nurturing and very loyal. Sandwiched between two sisters, she was the warm bonding force of girl energy. These caring traits she embraced wholeheartedly in her young adulthood, helping coach "her girls" on the St. Louis Rowing Club novice team, successfully building self confidence in these young women. She was a lover of all dogs and had a powerful bond with her adored pup, Teddy. Catherine learned to appreciate and nurture all growing things, likely the only undergraduate to plant bulbs and tend hanging baskets at an off-campus house. C.C. was a curious and passionate student of nature. Even before studying geology and astronomy at CU-Boulder, she was fascinated by the world around her . She preferred the "dotty roads" on AAA maps that meander and make a trip more interesting. She loved hiking and when adventuring, collected enough rocks and minerals to create her own personal geology museum. Not only did Catherine wonder and appreciate the beauty of the world around her, she was passionate about creating her own beauty-- Catherine was an artist. She painted fearlessly, digitizing and sharing over a hundred of her original works in charcoal, watercolors, and oils on Instagram. Moreover, Cat was immersed in the mostly-neglected craft of sewing. She imagined, created and modeled fabulous costumes while only once relying on a pattern. A 2015 graduate of New Trier High School, Catherine attended Georgia Tech and was currently enrolled at the University of Colorado - Boulder, where she was a member of the varsity crew team and geology club. Memories of Catherine shine as a beacon in the hearts of her family. In addition to her father, David, and mother, Sarah, her beloved sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, her spirit will be remembered by her grandmother, aunts and uncles, and the many cousins that she and her sisters adore. A Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00pm on December 8 at the Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine Street, Winnetka, Illinois. Holiday festive attire is welcomed. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Catherine's love of the outdoors, memorial donations are suggested to the GG Endowment Fund of the Colorado Trail Foundation http://www.coloradotrail.org/

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