Catherine "Cathy" (Piatt) Thomas

Catherine Jane Thomas, affectionately known as Cathy, lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. She left this world on September 2, 2024, at the age of 73 in Milwaukee, WI, but her spirit and warmth will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew her.

Born on January 21, 1951, in Stevens Point, WI, Cathy was the beloved daughter of Dryden and Marion Piatt, and the youngest of 5 children. The family taught her the value of kindness, resilience, and joy. Throughout her life, Cathy embraced the world with open arms, and her laughter was as vibrant as the gardens she tended.

Cathy's journey was marked by love, especially with her devoted husband, David J. Thomas, and their furry companions, Eddie and recently sweet Daisy, who was never far from her side. Their love story began 44 years ago, fittingly, during a live music event at the Starship where David worked. Music concerts were one of Cathy's greatest passions. Their meeting blossomed into a lifetime of shared adventures, long drives, and serene moments at the family cabin. There, surrounded by nature, Cathy found her greatest joy: summer days filled with the sound of birds, the clinking of glasses, and the warmth of family and friends.

A career woman ahead of her time, Cathy thrived as a sales manager at Kodak Co., where she earned the admiration of colleagues and clients alike. Her dedication didn’t end with work; she extended it to her community as an active member of the Brady Street Business Improvement District. Whether it was planning Brady Biker Bash, Halloween on Brady or organizing the Brady Street Festival, Cathy brought her energy, enthusiasm, and signature touch to everything she did

Known for her love of gardening, Cathy’s green thumb could transform any patch of soil into a sanctuary of blooms. She had a special fondness for birdwatching—cranes, in particular, captured her heart and imagination. Her passion for cranes went hand in hand with her commitment to conservation.

To her family, Cathy was more than a wife, an aunt, cousin, sister-in-law and sibling—she was a friend, a confidante, and a source of light who will forever carry her love with them. To her friends, Cathy was someone who offered practical advice and shared in both the joys and challenges of life. She was the one who could always bring a smile with her quick wit.

Cathy’s legacy is one of joy, spontaneity, and an appreciation for the simple, yet profound, pleasures in life: a glass of wine shared with friends, the music that filled her soul, and the warmth of a summer evening. As Cathy wished, her life will be celebrated with an Irish-style gathering, where stories will be shared, and her favorite songs will fill the air. The date and time will be shared at a later time. Donations for the celebration may be sent to David J. Thomas 1740 N. Warren Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Or Cathy’s memory may continue to soar through contributions made in her honor to The International Crane Foundation at https://savingcranes.org/ittakesallofus/  They work worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend.

These words and pictures are a snapshot of Cathy’s life.  We welcome others to share your memories. In memory of Cathy, we leave you with a lyric from one of her favorite bands, Roxy Music Stranded 1973 Song Sunset –

Ah look at the sun
It’s all aglow
Slow burning star
Sinking low

Heaven knows
Where you go
Out of sight
Out of mind’s eye, no

Ah such a shame
You must leave
All day long
You were a friend to me

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