Catherine (Rutten) Schwinden

With my greatest condolences 💐 .

My deepest sympathies to the Schwinden family and her brother, Tom.
Cathy was a wonderful woman and always a kind friend to all. We met in 1966 at Shanley, and Cathy tutored me in French and got me involved in the Pep Club where we were officers together. She was always a person to be admired. She accomplished so much in her lifetime. I was very proud to know Cathy.

Sarah and family-
We’re thinking of you and keeping you in your prayers. What a wonderful woman your mother/grandmother was- I’m sure she’ll be dearly missed.

With deepest condolences to all of the Schwinden family. From all of the Bosak family.

Cathy was a woman of faith and an inspiration to others. I first met Cathy when she was the Principal at Holy Spirit where my kids attended. She knew all the kids by name and always had a smile on her face. I also got the chance to work with Cathy volunteering at the Cass County Jail sharing our Catholic faith. She had so much compassion and really made the ladies feel at ease. My Sundays inside the jail with her were always a blessing and we talked afterwards and prayed for those we had met.

Her soft voice and calming way with words drew you in and made you feel special. She definitely earned her place in Heaven.

Such a difference maker to so many people. The world will miss ‘one of the best’! Heaven has gained another diamond. We will have to wait patiently for our next visit. Big hugs to Morrie and Family.

My sincere sympathies to all of Cathy’s family! She was a great friend and welcomed us to the Shanley family. Sending prayers.

Condolences to the family of Cathy. She was a wonderful example of peace and light for all.

I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family for your loss. During my time working with Cathy at Nativity, I was fortunate to get to know her. I respected her energy and commitment to help the most vulnerable in our society. She had a broad view of the world, always willing to ponder how to make it a better place. May she rest in peace.
Renelda Hushka

Cathy was the dearest to me of all our 53 cousins💕 Being 4 years younger than myself we began playing together at a very early age. In fact, my parents took me to see Cathy 1 week after her birth! As we grew through the years we had many deep and inspirational conversations and shared many of the same spiritual goals well into adulthood. We called each other often, continuing our Faith life, what amazing work she did for the “ Least of our Brethren.” In spite of all her devotion to various Volunteer involvements , she always made time for Morrie and her children! Her kindness absolutely radiated her love of Jesus and she never hesitated to walk in his shoes whenever and wherever there was a need! Her voice was always soft and reassuring and oh my, so full of wisdom and sincerity! Cathy, you are now reunited with your Mom, whose heart was as full of kindness as your own! I DO know how proud Uncle Vince was of you and Tom because every time we visited , he always brought up yours and Tom’s many accomplishments! I know both your parents are now holding you tight in their arms again! Morrie will definitely be lost without you as both of you have given of yourself to family and each other!
I will miss my “ sister cousin” until God calls me home too! Cathy, you can rest in the peace you have been praying for since your diagnosis!

My dear BEAUTIFUL cousin Cathy! How we will all miss your kind and gentle heart on this Earth with us!
Cathy was my dearest cousin, being only 4 years younger than myself!! In fact, my parents took me to my Aunt and Uncle’s house to meet her when she was just one week old! From then on, Cathy and I were joined at the heart as we shared the same values and the same desire to serve others as we grew up! Cathy fell in love with Morrie first and together brought 3 awesome children into the world and into the Faith that taught them to walk in Jesus’ footsteps through serving others! Cathy was always full of wisdom, which I often depended on when in doubt or needed to share a number of emotions! Cathy was one who never turned anyone away. We usually called each other every few months to catch up on family news or more often discussing Church issues we either agreed or disagreed with!!! That was often one of our most fun conversations!! In total, Cathy and I were one of 53+ cousins that were scattered from ND, MN and most in CA! We had a family of 10 noisy cousins in Moorhead and we often shared with humor how we were the two quiet ones and sometimes wondered if we were actually descended from the same family, even though we loved our Aunt so much and all her children !! Tom and Cathy grew up with parents who instilled their Catholic Faith, their unconditional love and devotion to Community service! Education was at the top of the list too! Both Tom and Cathy excelled in all of these areas! Tom and Cathy were very devoted to each other from the day Tom was born! It was inspiring to witness. Cathy and Morrie were devastated by her diagnosis! As for myself I even questioned how such a brilliant mind, spiritually motivated and selfless woman could be stricken with such a devastating illness, but now her pain is over and she is in the arms of the Lord and reunited with her parents, observing the rest of us preparing to celebrate her kindness and generosity! I know her main concern is her beloved Morris’s welfare. Let us all help Morrie get through this grief and remember to be present to his needs now, as he grieves Cathy’s absence after sharing over 50 years together. He NEVER left her side for one day as they struggled through her illness together. Cathy you have left an everlasting imprint of love and mercy on this Earth! We will never forget all the goodness you shared so generously with all of us! May you finally rest in peace!

I’d like to think the Irish won that game for her. She was such a gift to two generations of our family as an educator at Shanley. God bless you all.

Cathy, was such a kind person who lived her faith through her example. I, (Jane Ermer Metzger) remembered her from my days at Shanley (‘70), but we were never in the same circle. Five years ago, Cathy attended my mother’s prayer service, & my sister, Kathy (Ermer) Axtmann (‘68) & I thought that was such a kind gesture of her to do so. Her compassion affected us deeply.
May Cathy Rest in Peace & may she experience all of God’s promises.
Jane (Ermer) Metzger
Carrington, ND

Morrie and all of Cathy’s family,

So sorry to hear of your loss. She was special! Every contact with her, in high school, at the Maris tournament running the parking lot like a general, or just running into her was always joyful. You always felt seen and cared for – lifting you always. A special gift to all she encountered. She passed a bit to each she met and that same thing will be passed from them to others. A true inspiration.

Mary and Jim Shaw