Catherine Mae Patschull

Our sweet sister, Catherine Mae “Cathey” Coffey Patschull, went home to the Lord with grace and finesse on August 24, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cathey was born in Butte, Montana, on February 17, 1947, to Betty Raymond Coffey and Lawrence James “Larry” Coffey. She was the third of five children: Laurie Ann, Susan Marie, Michael Don, and Patricia Lynn.

The family moved from Butte to Boise, Idaho, in 1948. When Cathey was just three years old, she was struck by a car in her neighborhood and severely injured. She suffered a concussion and a broken leg and remained unconscious for 45 days. Then one day, her daddy leaned over to kiss her, and his tie tickled her face. She smiled—and there she was. She was awake.

That moment marked the beginning of a long journey of recovery as Cathey learned once again to walk, talk, eat, and play. The strength and determination she showed as a little girl would remain part of who she was throughout her life.

The Coffey family moved to Pocatello in 1952, where Cathey’s younger siblings, Mike and Tricia, were born. Cathey attended St. Joseph School for first grade and then St. Anthony School through eighth grade. She later attended Alameda Junior High and Pocatello High School, graduating in 1965.

In the fall of 1965, Cathey answered a calling to religious life and entered the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Community. For many years, she ministered in the Chicago area, serving others through her work in hospitals as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She had a deep desire to care for the sick and elderly and encouraged her patients to place their trust in God. Her positive attitude was a blessing to many, and she later continued her ministry by visiting and comforting patients as a chaplain in Elgin, Illinois. Her strong faith, diligence, compassion, and patience were virtues admired by all who knew her.

After 29 years in religious life, Cathey returned home to Pocatello—a community she dearly loved and proudly claimed as her lifelong home. She continued her nursing career at the Idaho State Veterans Home, where she worked for five years before retiring.

Retirement certainly did not mean slowing down for Cathey. Instead, it gave her even more opportunities to serve her church and community.

Cathey was deeply involved in many ministries, including Eucharistic Ministry, ministry to the homebound, decorating the sanctuary, Paraclete Ministry, OCIA, Bible studies, coffee hours, and Seasoned Citizens luncheons. She loved attending workshops and retreats and was always eager to learn and deepen her faith.

Her service extended throughout the community as well. She volunteered at the Senior Citizens Center, Feeding of the Five Thousand, Mission Valley Food Pantry, and many other community organizations and events. A true “people person,” Cathey loved meeting others, greeting friends, and, perhaps most of all, “visiting.”

Many in the community also came to know Cathey through her letters to the editor in the Idaho State Journal, which she called “Thoughts to Ponder.” Sharing her thoughts, faith, and perspective through the written word was just one more of her many gifts.

In 2005, Cathey married Leo Patschull at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Together, Cathey and Leo generously gave their time to others, frequently volunteering throughout the church and community. They enjoyed short trips to Jackpot, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of spending time together. They could often be found at Moca Madness sharing a latte. Cathey and Leo shared 13 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

Cathey was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leo; her parents, Betty and Larry Coffey; and other beloved members of her extended family.

She is survived by her sisters and brother, Laurie, Susan, Mike, and Tricia; her three stepsons; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Our family is incredibly thankful for each of you who walked beside Cathey, prayed for her, cared for her, laughed with her, visited with her, and loved her throughout her life. She was truly blessed by all of you—and we know she considered each of you a blessing.

Cathey lived her life with faith, compassion, determination, and a servant’s heart. From the little girl who fought her way back after a devastating accident, to the young woman who dedicated 29 years of her life to religious service, to the nurse, chaplain, wife, sister, aunt, volunteer, writer, and friend she became, Cathey spent her life caring for others and sharing her faith.

We can think of no more fitting words to welcome her home:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

A Rosary and Memorial Visitation will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 7, 2026 at St. Joseph's Chapel, 439 N. Hayes Avenue, Pocatello, ID. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 524 N 7th Avenue, Pocatello, ID. A graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

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