Catherine G Allhands
June 10, 1954 - August 05, 2017
Obituary
MADISON- She surrounded herself with dozens of angel figurines in life; she is surrounded by the angels of heaven now. Catherine G. (Raynoha) “Cathy” Allhands died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, after waging a valiant fight against brain cancer. Cathy was born June 10, 1954, to Mary Ann and Stephen Raynoha in Madison. She graduated from Edgewood High School in 1972. On Sept. 29, 1973, she married James Allhands of Madison, who was her best friend until his death on July 5, 2016. Cathy worked for the State of Wisconsin for more than 35 years, with the last several years as a Purchasing Agent for the Department of Workforce Development. She was spontaneous, fearless and loved adventure. Her creativity and fondness for glitter and glitz flowed freely in her Christmas decorations, her artwork, and her work and holiday attire. Her Halloween costumes were comical, colorful, and often magical. Cathy was at the center of every party, drawing everyone in, making them laugh and warming the room. She was competitive at golf and softball, but most of all enjoyed the camaraderie of her many friends in sport. From our arms to the heavenly arms of loved ones awaiting Cathy’s warm embrace, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of Cathy and her life. We carry her heart within ours. Cathy is survived by her mother; two sons, Peter (Talia) and Ben Allhands of Madison; grandchildren, Chase and Delton; a brother, Paul (Ranie) Raynoha of Gilbert, Ariz.; and six sisters, Joni (Dick) Dye of Madison, Mary (Don) McLaughlin of Macungie, Pa., Elizabeth (Dave) Walbridge of Kent, Wash., Jane Maule of Madison, Clare (Mark) Soden of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Margy (Curt) Milstein of Salida, Colo. She is also survived by many loving aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Allhands; her father, Stephen Raynoha and her precious niece, Katelyn Rose Milstein. A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held this fall at a place and date to be determined. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Anne Traynor and Jess at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the Agrace Hospice Care Team.
Events
There are no events for Catherine yet.
Photos
No photos of Catherine have been shared yet.
Memories
TC
Tim Crase
Other •
My prayers are with you and your family.
C
Carla
Other •
I am sending my prayers to the family and friends, coworkers of Cathy. She was an awesome lady (sure you knew that) and she always had a smile on her face when I seen her. I will miss that! C. Lawton (GEF1)
DB
Dawn Bluma
Other •
I worked with Cathy at DWD, and sat next to her cubicle when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Being a survivor myself, we shared some courage...and some fear...but Cathy was always hopeful! Over the cubicle wall, day after day, I would hear her talking to her customers, and nearly every conversation ended with her saying, "hey, have a great day!" So our work unit bought her a Life is Good tshirt to wear as a reminder of our care as she went through treatment; the shirt said " Greatful Day - Life is Good." She told me how much she loved that shirt, but not as much as we all loved her and will miss her laughter.
BM
Barb Minor
Other •
I worked with Cathy in the Plumbing Section in 1978 when I first started with the State. The part about her "Halloween costumes being comical, colorful and magical" brought back a great memory. My first Halloween with the State, she dressed up as Pinocchio, and actually played the part of a puppet to perfection! I'm sure past Plumbing Section folks will remember that Halloween! For lunch, we would sometimes take her convertible GTO to Stevens for cheese curds. Cathy was soooo much fun. She had an infectious laugh and I'm glad that I knew this wonderful gal.
GV
Gail Vandersteen
Other •
Hi my name is Gail Vandersteen I work at Seaway printing in Green Bay
I had the extreme pleasure of working with Cathy Allhands and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I will miss her so much. Even though I have never met her face to face, it feels like I have known her all of my life. Every time I light a candle I will think of Cathy, she was great.
When she would call with a question no matter what the situation may have been it always turned into great fun and a tons of laughs.
It was great to know such a wonderful person with a great outlook on life.
I am sure there will be angels watching over her in heaven.
friends and memories always and forever
Gail Vandersteen
RM
Ronald Martino-Meuret
Other •
I'm a Housekeeper at Belmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I had the Prviledge of knowing Cathy Allhands, I cleaned her Room, and Bathroom, Cathy was always so Appreciative, she alwys told me " you're the Best "and always gave me a hug or some thing showing her appreciation. she was such a kind soul, who had a big Heart, I will always remember her kindness, her kind words. I will always remember and cherish knowing Cathy always. My Condolences go out to the Family , and she will surely be missed. Sincerely, Ronald Martino-Meuret