Catherine (Caty) Marie Dhaenens Youso
Catherine (Caty) Marie Dhaenens Youso, born Aug. 8, 1950, in Spokane, Washington, passed away June 23, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was an amazingly unique spirit and her indelible mark on those around her will never be forgotten.
Known for her spunky and sassy personality, she had a way of marching through the crowd, leaving laughs and love in her wake. She was particularly fond of her multitude of grand and great-grandchildren, showering them all with smiles, hugs, sage advice, (and the occasional piece of candy when mom wasn’t looking!).
Caty was a consummate cleaner, often taking cleaning tasks over from other people to ensure that they were completed to her very high standards. She made a career out of this habit, becoming the head janitor for the Libby, Montana school district. She held that position for over 20 years, watching the next generation of children grow up, finish school and go on to bigger and better things.
She loved the scenic beauty and tranquility of living in Montana, but moved back to Spokane, Washington where she had been born and raised to be closer to her children and their burgeoning families.
In her early adulthood, Caty loved to have herself a smoke alongside gin and tonic while socializing with friends, but later in life she gave up the worst of her habits and switched over to a nice warm cup of café francais and a Milky Way Midnight.
She loved animals of all kinds, raising both livestock and pets throughout her life, and was known to surprise her family and friends with random video calls just to say hi to their kitties.
Her legacy is one of resilience and an unforgettable presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her siblings David Dhaenens, Patrick Dhaenens, Monica Adkins, Tim Dhaenens and Maryann Cart as well as her youngest daughter Cassandra Youso, her eldest daughter Tonya Erdman, son-in-law Eric and grandchildren Morgan (Steven) Kuethe, Rose Savage, Breanna (Crystal) Erdman, Wyatt Erdman, Tristan (Adeia) Erdman, Darian Erdman and Savanna Jaurez.
She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Kylynn Erdman, Ayven Erdman, Ellie Kuethe, Kyeran Erdman, Arabella Erdman and Virgil Erdman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Wilmeda Dhaenens, along with her sister, Rebecca Dhaenens.
Rest in peace, Cathy, Caty, Mom, Nana. Your spirit and love will live on in our hearts forever.
Memorial service will be held in Spokane, Washington, at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 13. For more information, please contact Tonya Erdman or Cassandra Youso.