Memorial

Our hearts break to write this and share the unexpected news of the passing of Catherine Louise Meyer. 

To summarize Cathy's life in a simple obituary is impossible so we hope to share many stories with you at her Open House Celebration of Life on Wednesday, July 29th from 4:00PM - 9:00PM at the Smuelekoff Craft'd location, in downtown Cedar Rapids.  Please wear yellow and/or blue in her honor. 

The outpouring of love and memories shared on social media and private messages, since the news of her passing spread, attests to the amazing woman that she was.  

Born and raised in the Quad Cities on March 2, 1954, she lived in many places, but Southern CA was always her favorite.  She dedicated the majority of her life to children, passionately and fiercely supporting and advocating for them, including her own.  
She held strong beliefs, particularly regarding the development of young children.  She spent her career working in childcare and child advocacy, including operating her in-home child care, her decades with HACAP, and most recently her tenure with Save the Children Action Network (SCAN).  In 2023 she was honored to be their National Advocate of the Year.  Cathy also loved volunteering in her grandchildren's schools and was recently working part time at St. Pat's preschool and summer day care.

Every person she met felt welcomed and supported.  She opened her heart and doors to so many and the hole she leaves is too vast to comprehend.   

She also had many pastimes, including fishing, traveling, listening to music, taking pictures, hosting family dinners, volunteering for the Democrats of Jones and Linn counties, having lunches and dinners with friends, watching a variety of sports (and she was competitive!), and attending her children's and grandchildren's activities.  
With a bit of a sarcastic, dry and dark sense of humor, always compassionate, and sometimes oversharing she was beautiful on the inside and out.  She was a good friend, a fierce advocate, and a passionate amazing woman.  Above all else she was an amazing mother and grandmother - always there for them, in so many little and big ways.  Now she is their Guardian Angel.

Survived by her children: Kim Meyer Wilhelm (Chad), Stephanie Smith (Chris), and Ryan Meyer (Honey Seo), honorary daughter Megan Shores, grandchildren: Carmen Smith, Christopher Smith Jr., Cierra Smith, Camden Smith, and Charlotte Wilhelm, her ex-husband Stephen Meyer, and sister-in-law Sheila Lulich.  As well as many cousins, friends, and her cat Val.
She now joins her father and beloved mother and brother in heaven, as well as many other family and friends. 

We are currently raising funds to help cover the costs associated with her unexpected passing.  We hope to use any remaining funds to donate to SCAN and start a foundation in her name so her legacy and work for children can carry on.  

She leaves behind a trail of love a thousand miles long and a river of tears in its wake.  We know she touched so many lives.  Please think of her, and look into local opportunities to volunteer or support the betterment of our future.  

Always loved, forever missed.