Cathy Begandy

Catherine Helen “Cathy” Begandy, age 82, of Perham, MN, went to her home in Heaven on Thursday, June 12, 2025. She had lived under the care of the loving staff of Like Mother, Like Daughter with extra help in her final days from Moments Hospice.

Cathy was born December 31, 1942, to Al and Thelma (Ranta) Hassler, missing the New Year’s baby by a few hours. She was raised on the family farm with her four sisters and later in life they were happy to discover an older brother.

She attended St. Henry’s Catholic School taught by the Benedictine nuns. Here she also took piano lessons that were paid for by the family bringing eggs and cream, a good barter system.

Along with studying hard, Cathy was a member of the Gorman Sunshine 4-H Club, where she learned projects like sewing, food preparation, and baking. Her famous apple pie earned her the title of Champion Pie Baker of Otter Tail County.

Cathy graduated from high school with honors in 1960. That fall she attended Eveleth Junior College, taking secretarial courses. Her first job was at the Broadway Clinic in Little Falls, MN. When she wasn’t working, you would see her frequently at the Falls Ballroom dancing a dreamy waltz or a high-stepping polka. Cathy was active in YCW - Young Christian Workers. Wanting to make a better world with Jesus, she answered her heart’s call to be a lay missionary in Nassau, Bahamas for one year. She taught catechism in the leper colonies and other outreaches. After leaving Nassau she continued her education at Nazareth College in Michigan, earning a degree in English.

Cathy loved reading and from childhood, enjoyed the Bobbsey Twins and other great books the library had. Later she liked reading the classics.

Cathy was a running enthusiast. Summers spent in Minnesota would find her jogging the four-mile trek from the farm and into town and back. A moment of glory was when she completed Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. She liked music, anything from classical to country. She attended Broadway plays and musicals; “The Student Prince” with Mario Lanza was her favorite. She inspired many others to become interested in cultural presentations. Cathy had “Sisu”, the Finnish word for inner strength, courage, and resilience, and in tough times she would accept a challenge.

“California or Bust” read the sign on her car’s rear window as she and her sister drove across the country to California, where she had her first teaching Job. Along with teaching, she started to write short stories and newspaper articles. She told the family back home that after selling an article to Reader’s Digest, she would buy the plane tickets to California. The article didn’t do well, but she kept on writing.

Cupid found Cathy when she met John Begandy, who fell madly in love with this petite blond girl from Minnesota. They married in 1972. They loved each other well and spent time traveling and going on cruises. The couple shared their love for Dachshunds and treasured those little underfoot creatures that brought joy to their lives.

Years later she donated a kidney to John, not thinking of her own risk but her love for him. John died in 2013, leaving a large hole in her heart.

Cathy moved back to Perham to be near her sisters and other family. Her faith was always important to her, and she lived the Gospel well. She had no birth children but loved all her nieces and nephews like they were her own. She had a deep bond with her sisters and brother.

Missing her so much is her brother Dick (Janet) Bogen and sisters Alice Sundeen, Mary Southwick, Celie (Dennis) Soderstrom, and Polly Solberg. Completing her family are stepsons Mike and Paul and step-grandson Alex of California. Preceding Cathy in death were her parents and husband John.

How do we know Heaven is a beautiful place? It is because Cathy just arrived to be with Jesus.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM followed by the Memorial Mass at 2:00 on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Cathy’s name to a charity of your choice.

Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218-346-5175) www.schoenebergerfh.com