Catherine Lee Daneluk, 59, passed away at her home Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Cathy was born Jan. 29, 1964, in Kemmerer, to James and Anita Kair Daneluk. At an early age, Cathy, along with her father, sister and brother, moved in with their beloved grandmother, Violet.
Growing up in Frontier offered many adventures. Cathy loved her dolls, playing dress-up, endless bike rides and making mud cakes out back on the old stove. Cathy was a mud cake gourmet chef.
Cathy graduated from Kemmerer High School with the class of 1982. She attended one year at the University of Wyoming, then moved to Rock Springs, where she met and married Richard “Rick” Nelson. They were blessed with two beautiful children: Jessica and Richard “Richie” Nelson, as well as her stepson, Martin Nelson.
Cathy enrolled in the nursing program at Western Wyoming College. Becoming a registered nurse was Cathy’s true calling. Her compassion and empathy for others couldn’t be matched. She loved being a nurse and excelled at it.
Cathy’s heart broke the day Jessica died in a tragic car accident. She was a deeply kind and sensitive person who never fully recovered from her loss. Her son Richie was the light that helped her move forward.
She enjoyed a lifelong passion for art. Paintbrushes and cloudy water were a mainstay on a nearby table. She loved making things for others, especially at Christmas.
She is preceded in death by her father, James Daneluk; stepmother, Marge Daneluk; grandparents, George and Violet Daneluk; first husband, Rick Nelson; and her beautiful daughter, Jessica Nelson.
She is survived by the love of her life and caregiver James Walton; her son, Richie Nelson; stepson, Martin Nelson; mother, Anita (James) TenEyck; sister, Christine (Kary) Ellsworth; brother, Kelly (Sharon) Daneluk; stepbrother, Gordon (Norri) Gunter; stepsister, Sheryl Gunter (Matt York). She loved her nieces and nephews, Erik, Cori (Brandon), Jackson and Maddisen. She adored her grandnieces, Dakkota and Zoe.
She was someone who would tell you like it was, her language often “colorful.” She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. She is no longer in pain and has been reunited with her daughter.
Thank you to the staff at the Kemmerer hospital for the care you’ve provided over the years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
