Catherine Wise

On January 25, 2021 sweet, treasured Catherine Bradley Wise passed from this life surrounded by her loving family and her dearest life-long friend Bonnie Pitzer.

Cathy, “Cat”, was a loving mother to daughter Davia Wise Barber (Ian) and son Jamison Wise (Heather). She was adored by three grandchildren, Kali Barber, Drew Barber and Ronin Wise. She was likewise revered by multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was the daughter of the late Champlin Gross and Marion Bradley Kelly. Her sister Ann Gross Paynowski preceded her in death. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, David Wise, sister Dolly Viscardi (Jerry) and brothers, Pat Kelly (Cathy), Bill Kelly (Susan), Cris Gross, and Dan Gross (Ann).

Born in Oberlin, Ohio in 1943, Cathy attended Oberlin Schools graduating in the 1961 with numerous classmates with whom she maintained life-long contact. She was known as their “social chairman”, a fitting description of her role both 60 years ago and recently. Throughout her life she imbued almost any gathering with her warm and lively nature.

She graduated from Kent State University in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. She often joked that she really didn’t want to be a teacher, but after becoming one she loved it. It showed in the multiple Teacher-of-the Year and Outstanding-Educator awards throughout her 41-year career. Her colleagues often remarked that she was a “natural”, as if describing a high-level athlete who does amazing things effortlessly. It was said that there was hardly a child anywhere that she could not teach to read. Wherever she taught, she was assigned or volunteered to help students having reading difficulties.

Cathy lived in various places, Ohio, Canada, Texas and Colorado. No matter where she resided, she attracted a “flock of friends” with her kind and gentle spirit. This trait was extended to family members, especially young relatives and neighborhood kids who thrived on her gentle attention.

Following her teaching career, she became involved in the “I Love to Read” Program in Littleton School where, again, her outstanding abilities in encouraging reading was recognized. She was also regularly active in distributing meals through Meals on Wheels. In this, again, her calm outgoing friendliness helped her with client interaction to achieve the secondary purpose of Meals on Wheels, to check on clients’ welfare.

A life-long Democrat, she was very active in supporting liberal candidates and ideas while maintaining good will with friends with diverse political persuasions. She was a true daughter of Oberlin, vigorously championing the causes of civil rights, equality and inclusion for which that town is famous.  Her life motto seemed to be to draw people to her and make them comfortable.

Cathy did not wish to be remembered in traditional memorials, but her wishes are to have two informal celebrations, one in the Centennial, Colorado area and one in Oberlin, Ohio where her ashes will be interred. Of course, due to the COVID virus plans for these parties are incomplete.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory Catherine B. Wise, to Hopkins Elementary School-I Love to Read Program. The address is 7171 South Pennsylvania St., Centennial, Colorado 80122