Cathrin D'Avignon
Cathrin Ute (Eisermann) D'Avignon- Fairfield, OH - (52) - Cathi, has gone home to be with the Lord. She was born September 19, 1959 in Dresden, Germany and moved to America with her parents in 1961.
Cathi was a member of the graduating class of Chelmsford High School in 1977 where she was a majorette. That was the first class to graduate from the "new" building which still serves as the high school today. She also attended and graduated from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire where she met Michael D'Avignon who would become her husband in 1981. During and after college she worked for Delta Airlines and previously had worked for a small airline that chartered flights to and from Martha's Vineyard.
Cathi and Mike had two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle. Cathi got to be a stay at home Mom and she created her most precious memories with her two girls. She was a loving mother who invented games and told stories of far off fantasy lands. She gave a voice to the girl's treasured stuffed animals and she read to them each night before saying their prayers.
She enjoyed crafts, reading, singing, the beach and spending time with her family and her dog, Beemer, who she trained to do a variety of tricks and she taught herself how to juggle.
Cathi's favorite place was the zoo and she and Caitlin visited several times a week and they know most of the keepers and the animals by name.
Cathi had a special knack for giving just the right gift for any occasion. Whether it be a necklace or quilt she made, or a card she designed or something she hand picked just for you, she truly believed it's better to give than to receive.
She is survived by her husband, Michael D'Avignon and their two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle; her parents Margit and Klaus Eisermann of Chelmsford, MA; her brother Ralf Eisermann, his wife Heidi and their two children Cassie and Karl of Merrimack,NH; her sister Ulli Eisermann of Salisbury, MA; her Uncle Klaus and his wife Susan and their son Kurt of Marietta, OH; her Mother-in-Law Winifred D'Avignon of Florida; her brother-in-law David D'Avignon and his wife Lois of Cincinnati,OH; her brother-in-law Bill D'avignon and his wife Donna of Buffalo, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and countless friends. In particular, Cathi and her family would like to mention Melody, Sarah, Lisa, Kris, Thane and Misha who made a significant impact on her, and our, lives.
Memorial donations may be made in Cathi's name to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St,Cincinnati, OH 45220 if you're able and the family would also request you to hug your family tonight and do a good deed tomorrow.
*****************************
Cathi was born in Dresden, Germany on September 19, 1959 – the first born of Margit and Klaus Eisermann. In May of 1961 this small family moved to America and eventually settled down in New England. We have many black and white photos of Cathi at the beach, and with our grandmothers who we called Oma, with our brother Ralf, there were definitely pictures of Ralf and Cathi in matching leder hosen, and lots with our parents who she called Mama and Papa and with many childhood friends. One of the first pictures I can recall of she and I, is from the first night she was left to babysit me – our parents took the photo when they came home that night – and Cathi was standing in the doorway of our house, rocking me in her arms, and we are both crying. Fortunately her babysitting skills were not a sign of the mothering skills she would develop later on in life.
Cathi went to Chelmsford High School where she was a majorette. Then she went to Daniel Webster College and worked for Delta Airlines. While at Daniel Webster she met Mike.
In May of 1981 Cathi married the love of her life, Mike, and became a D'Avignon. Their reception was in a hotel that looked like a castle in New Hampshire, the perfect setting for the fairytale life that they would continue to lead.
In September 1984, Cathi and Mike welcomed a baby girl into the world. This tiny, innocent, beautiful baby would grow up with quite a gift. She has the gift of bringing out the best in everyone around her – whether they are human or animal. She will make your heart smile and you will be a better person just for knowing her. Some may call her the Horse/Dog/Cat/Bunny/Ferret Whisperer, but Cathi called her Caitlin, Kaykay, Cait, or Katie-pops.
In December 1989, Cathi and Mike were blessed once again with a dark haired bundle of joy. This big eyed, curious, gorgeous baby girl would also grow up with a wonderful gift. She has the ability to turn ideas into motion, to create with color in a fantasy world, to bring imagination to life. She loves renaissance faires and dragons and sets your inner child free. They named her Danielle, but Cathi called her D, DD and my baby girl.
Cathi would be fortunate enough that she got to stay home to raise her girls, to nurture them, teach them, and play with them, and in a way, hold on to her childhood a lot longer than most of us do. They read books like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the movies – like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, The Krohn Conservatory, to country music concerts, watched BBT and Dancing With The Stars, and voted every week! They went to Disney and more often than not their family vacations would bring them back to New England to visit Cathi's family, which by now included Ralf's wife Heidi, and their children Cassandra and Karl. There they would go to the beach and build castles, go to animal parks, visit the Clydesdales, have a lobster dinner, but maybe it didn't matter what was for dinner – it only mattered that our Mom was cooking it – and – we would all hold hands and say "Gezegnete Meilt Zeit" (Blessed Meal Time)as we gathered at the table where we would indulge in some German favorites and all boast about how no one's was as good as Ma's.
As a family we would try to spend as much time together as possible whenever the D'Avignons would come to visit. We would often all stay in the same house and made up new traditions like "Un-birthday parties" since we weren't able to be together for actual birthdays. And we had a semi-annual family talent show where we would sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic or explain science phenomenon's but mostly we would laugh. Another favorite thing we would do is play a board game that Cathi made that was all related to our family. Or we'd play a game of Uno where the deck of cards had our faces on them. You couldn't buy a better game and you couldn't have more fun than we did whenever we were together.
Cathi loved her family more than anything on this planet and when you would say "I love you" she would often say "I love you more"
I will miss my sister – more than I can say – more than there are words to express. My heart will be forever heavy – but because I know that Cathi would always want us to laugh, be positive and live life to the fullest – I will try to keep my heart heavy with memories – so full of joy that there isn't any room for the sadness that I feel today.
Rest easy now Cathi – give both Oma's and Opa's a big hug from me – keep us safe and healthy and we'll see you again someday. I love you more!
Maternal Grandmother
Maternal Grandfather
Paternal Grandmother
Paternal Uncle
*******
Poem written by Ulli Eisermann (C) 2013 on the 1 year anniversary passing of Cathi D'Avignon
1 year
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
525,600 minutes
It really doesn't matter how you say it
There are days I still don't believe it
I still see you everywhere
In mornings, in evenings, in rainbows & butterflies
In photos, in memories, in faces - with heavy sighs
In songs, in stories, in books & all around me
In movies, in puppies, in babies & our family
When I wear your shirt, or smell your perfume
When I see an elephant that I want for a tattoo
When I hear a laugh that sounds so much like yours
When I find a card you wrote to me, it pours
Out of my chest, from way deep in my soul
The hurt is so painful & it takes its toll
My eyes burn red from tears that won't end
I miss my sister; I miss my friend
I wish I could see you beyond a picture frame
I wish I could hear you calling my name
I wish there would be another Harry Potter for you to read
I wish, how I wish, I could call you a geek
I wish we didn't spend so many years far apart
I know distance doesn't matter when you're in someone's heart
I wish we had just one more Sister's Day
I know that you're with me every step of my way
There are times when I feel you
And I know you're nearby
When I've needed you most
When I couldn't help but cry
You're still my big sister
And you're still watching out for me
I still love you,
and you still love me
Cathrin Ute (Eisermann) D'Avignon- Fairfield, OH - (52) - Cathi, has gone home to be with the Lord. She was born September 19, 1959 in Dresden, Germany and moved to America with her parents in 1961.
Cathi was a member of the graduating class of Chelmsford High School in 1977 where she was a majorette. That was the first class to graduate from the "new" building which still serves as the high school today. She also attended and graduated from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire where she met Michael D'Avignon who would become her husband in 1981. During and after college she worked for Delta Airlines and previously had worked for a small airline that chartered flights to and from Martha's Vineyard.
Cathi and Mike had two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle. Cathi got to be a stay at home Mom and she created her most precious memories with her two girls. She was a loving mother who invented games and told stories of far off fantasy lands. She gave a voice to the girl's treasured stuffed animals and she read to them each night before saying their prayers.
She enjoyed crafts, reading, singing, the beach and spending time with her family and her dog, Beemer, who she trained to do a variety of tricks and she taught herself how to juggle.
Cathi's favorite place was the zoo and she and Caitlin visited several times a week and they know most of the keepers and the animals by name.
Cathi had a special knack for giving just the right gift for any occasion. Whether it be a necklace or quilt she made, or a card she designed or something she hand picked just for you, she truly believed it's better to give than to receive.
She is survived by her husband, Michael D'Avignon and their two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle; her parents Margit and Klaus Eisermann of Chelmsford, MA; her brother Ralf Eisermann, his wife Heidi and their two children Cassie and Karl of Merrimack,NH; her sister Ulli Eisermann of Salisbury, MA; her Uncle Klaus and his wife Susan and their son Kurt of Marietta, OH; her Mother-in-Law Winifred D'Avignon of Florida; her brother-in-law David D'Avignon and his wife Lois of Cincinnati,OH; her brother-in-law Bill D'avignon and his wife Donna of Buffalo, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and countless friends. In particular, Cathi and her family would like to mention Melody, Sarah, Lisa, Kris, Thane and Misha who made a significant impact on her, and our, lives.
Memorial donations may be made in Cathi's name to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St,Cincinnati, OH 45220 if you're able and the family would also request you to hug your family tonight and do a good deed tomorrow.
*****************************
Cathi was born in Dresden, Germany on September 19, 1959 – the first born of Margit and Klaus Eisermann. In May of 1961 this small family moved to America and eventually settled down in New England. We have many black and white photos of Cathi at the beach, and with our grandmothers who we called Oma, with our brother Ralf, there were definitely pictures of Ralf and Cathi in matching leder hosen, and lots with our parents who she called Mama and Papa and with many childhood friends. One of the first pictures I can recall of she and I, is from the first night she was left to babysit me – our parents took the photo when they came home that night – and Cathi was standing in the doorway of our house, rocking me in her arms, and we are both crying. Fortunately her babysitting skills were not a sign of the mothering skills she would develop later on in life.
Cathi went to Chelmsford High School where she was a majorette. Then she went to Daniel Webster College and worked for Delta Airlines. While at Daniel Webster she met Mike.
In May of 1981 Cathi married the love of her life, Mike, and became a D'Avignon. Their reception was in a hotel that looked like a castle in New Hampshire, the perfect setting for the fairytale life that they would continue to lead.
In September 1984, Cathi and Mike welcomed a baby girl into the world. This tiny, innocent, beautiful baby would grow up with quite a gift. She has the gift of bringing out the best in everyone around her – whether they are human or animal. She will make your heart smile and you will be a better person just for knowing her. Some may call her the Horse/Dog/Cat/Bunny/Ferret Whisperer, but Cathi called her Caitlin, Kaykay, Cait, or Katie-pops.
In December 1989, Cathi and Mike were blessed once again with a dark haired bundle of joy. This big eyed, curious, gorgeous baby girl would also grow up with a wonderful gift. She has the ability to turn ideas into motion, to create with color in a fantasy world, to bring imagination to life. She loves renaissance faires and dragons and sets your inner child free. They named her Danielle, but Cathi called her D, DD and my baby girl.
Cathi would be fortunate enough that she got to stay home to raise her girls, to nurture them, teach them, and play with them, and in a way, hold on to her childhood a lot longer than most of us do. They read books like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the movies – like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, The Krohn Conservatory, to country music concerts, watched BBT and Dancing With The Stars, and voted every week! They went to Disney and more often than not their family vacations would bring them back to New England to visit Cathi's family, which by now included Ralf's wife Heidi, and their children Cassandra and Karl. There they would go to the beach and build castles, go to animal parks, visit the Clydesdales, have a lobster dinner, but maybe it didn't matter what was for dinner – it only mattered that our Mom was cooking it – and – we would all hold hands and say "Gezegnete Meilt Zeit" (Blessed Meal Time)as we gathered at the table where we would indulge in some German favorites and all boast about how no one's was as good as Ma's.
As a family we would try to spend as much time together as possible whenever the D'Avignons would come to visit. We would often all stay in the same house and made up new traditions like "Un-birthday parties" since we weren't able to be together for actual birthdays. And we had a semi-annual family talent show where we would sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic or explain science phenomenon's but mostly we would laugh. Another favorite thing we would do is play a board game that Cathi made that was all related to our family. Or we'd play a game of Uno where the deck of cards had our faces on them. You couldn't buy a better game and you couldn't have more fun than we did whenever we were together.
Cathi loved her family more than anything on this planet and when you would say "I love you" she would often say "I love you more"
I will miss my sister – more than I can say – more than there are words to express. My heart will be forever heavy – but because I know that Cathi would always want us to laugh, be positive and live life to the fullest – I will try to keep my heart heavy with memories – so full of joy that there isn't any room for the sadness that I feel today.
Rest easy now Cathi – give both Oma's and Opa's a big hug from me – keep us safe and healthy and we'll see you again someday. I love you more!
Maternal Grandmother
Maternal Grandfather
Paternal Grandmother
Paternal Uncle
*******
Poem written by Ulli Eisermann (C) 2013 on the 1 year anniversary passing of Cathi D'Avignon
1 year
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
525,600 minutes
It really doesn't matter how you say it
There are days I still don't believe it
I still see you everywhere
In mornings, in evenings, in rainbows & butterflies
In photos, in memories, in faces - with heavy sighs
In songs, in stories, in books & all around me
In movies, in puppies, in babies & our family
When I wear your shirt, or smell your perfume
When I see an elephant that I want for a tattoo
When I hear a laugh that sounds so much like yours
When I find a card you wrote to me, it pours
Out of my chest, from way deep in my soul
The hurt is so painful & it takes its toll
My eyes burn red from tears that won't end
I miss my sister; I miss my friend
I wish I could see you beyond a picture frame
I wish I could hear you calling my name
I wish there would be another Harry Potter for you to read
I wish, how I wish, I could call you a geek
I wish we didn't spend so many years far apart
I know distance doesn't matter when you're in someone's heart
I wish we had just one more Sister's Day
I know that you're with me every step of my way
There are times when I feel you
And I know you're nearby
When I've needed you most
When I couldn't help but cry
You're still my big sister
And you're still watching out for me
I still love you,
and you still love me
Cathrin D'Avignon
Cathrin Ute (Eisermann) D'Avignon- Fairfield, OH - (52) - Cathi, has gone home to be with the Lord. She was born September 19, 1959 in Dresden, Germany and moved to America with her parents in 1961.
Cathi was a member of the graduating class of Chelmsford High School in 1977 where she was a majorette. That was the first class to graduate from the "new" building which still serves as the high school today. She also attended and graduated from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire where she met Michael D'Avignon who would become her husband in 1981. During and after college she worked for Delta Airlines and previously had worked for a small airline that chartered flights to and from Martha's Vineyard.
Cathi and Mike had two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle. Cathi got to be a stay at home Mom and she created her most precious memories with her two girls. She was a loving mother who invented games and told stories of far off fantasy lands. She gave a voice to the girl's treasured stuffed animals and she read to them each night before saying their prayers.
She enjoyed crafts, reading, singing, the beach and spending time with her family and her dog, Beemer, who she trained to do a variety of tricks and she taught herself how to juggle.
Cathi's favorite place was the zoo and she and Caitlin visited several times a week and they know most of the keepers and the animals by name.
Cathi had a special knack for giving just the right gift for any occasion. Whether it be a necklace or quilt she made, or a card she designed or something she hand picked just for you, she truly believed it's better to give than to receive.
She is survived by her husband, Michael D'Avignon and their two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle; her parents Margit and Klaus Eisermann of Chelmsford, MA; her brother Ralf Eisermann, his wife Heidi and their two children Cassie and Karl of Merrimack,NH; her sister Ulli Eisermann of Salisbury, MA; her Uncle Klaus and his wife Susan and their son Kurt of Marietta, OH; her Mother-in-Law Winifred D'Avignon of Florida; her brother-in-law David D'Avignon and his wife Lois of Cincinnati,OH; her brother-in-law Bill D'avignon and his wife Donna of Buffalo, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and countless friends. In particular, Cathi and her family would like to mention Melody, Sarah, Lisa, Kris, Thane and Misha who made a significant impact on her, and our, lives.
Memorial donations may be made in Cathi's name to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St,Cincinnati, OH 45220 if you're able and the family would also request you to hug your family tonight and do a good deed tomorrow.
*****************************
Cathi was born in Dresden, Germany on September 19, 1959 – the first born of Margit and Klaus Eisermann. In May of 1961 this small family moved to America and eventually settled down in New England. We have many black and white photos of Cathi at the beach, and with our grandmothers who we called Oma, with our brother Ralf, there were definitely pictures of Ralf and Cathi in matching leder hosen, and lots with our parents who she called Mama and Papa and with many childhood friends. One of the first pictures I can recall of she and I, is from the first night she was left to babysit me – our parents took the photo when they came home that night – and Cathi was standing in the doorway of our house, rocking me in her arms, and we are both crying. Fortunately her babysitting skills were not a sign of the mothering skills she would develop later on in life.
Cathi went to Chelmsford High School where she was a majorette. Then she went to Daniel Webster College and worked for Delta Airlines. While at Daniel Webster she met Mike.
In May of 1981 Cathi married the love of her life, Mike, and became a D'Avignon. Their reception was in a hotel that looked like a castle in New Hampshire, the perfect setting for the fairytale life that they would continue to lead.
In September 1984, Cathi and Mike welcomed a baby girl into the world. This tiny, innocent, beautiful baby would grow up with quite a gift. She has the gift of bringing out the best in everyone around her – whether they are human or animal. She will make your heart smile and you will be a better person just for knowing her. Some may call her the Horse/Dog/Cat/Bunny/Ferret Whisperer, but Cathi called her Caitlin, Kaykay, Cait, or Katie-pops.
In December 1989, Cathi and Mike were blessed once again with a dark haired bundle of joy. This big eyed, curious, gorgeous baby girl would also grow up with a wonderful gift. She has the ability to turn ideas into motion, to create with color in a fantasy world, to bring imagination to life. She loves renaissance faires and dragons and sets your inner child free. They named her Danielle, but Cathi called her D, DD and my baby girl.
Cathi would be fortunate enough that she got to stay home to raise her girls, to nurture them, teach them, and play with them, and in a way, hold on to her childhood a lot longer than most of us do. They read books like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the movies – like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, The Krohn Conservatory, to country music concerts, watched BBT and Dancing With The Stars, and voted every week! They went to Disney and more often than not their family vacations would bring them back to New England to visit Cathi's family, which by now included Ralf's wife Heidi, and their children Cassandra and Karl. There they would go to the beach and build castles, go to animal parks, visit the Clydesdales, have a lobster dinner, but maybe it didn't matter what was for dinner – it only mattered that our Mom was cooking it – and – we would all hold hands and say "Gezegnete Meilt Zeit" (Blessed Meal Time)as we gathered at the table where we would indulge in some German favorites and all boast about how no one's was as good as Ma's.
As a family we would try to spend as much time together as possible whenever the D'Avignons would come to visit. We would often all stay in the same house and made up new traditions like "Un-birthday parties" since we weren't able to be together for actual birthdays. And we had a semi-annual family talent show where we would sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic or explain science phenomenon's but mostly we would laugh. Another favorite thing we would do is play a board game that Cathi made that was all related to our family. Or we'd play a game of Uno where the deck of cards had our faces on them. You couldn't buy a better game and you couldn't have more fun than we did whenever we were together.
Cathi loved her family more than anything on this planet and when you would say "I love you" she would often say "I love you more"
I will miss my sister – more than I can say – more than there are words to express. My heart will be forever heavy – but because I know that Cathi would always want us to laugh, be positive and live life to the fullest – I will try to keep my heart heavy with memories – so full of joy that there isn't any room for the sadness that I feel today.
Rest easy now Cathi – give both Oma's and Opa's a big hug from me – keep us safe and healthy and we'll see you again someday. I love you more!
Maternal Grandmother
Maternal Grandfather
Paternal Grandmother
Paternal Uncle
*******
Poem written by Ulli Eisermann (C) 2013 on the 1 year anniversary passing of Cathi D'Avignon
1 year
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
525,600 minutes
It really doesn't matter how you say it
There are days I still don't believe it
I still see you everywhere
In mornings, in evenings, in rainbows & butterflies
In photos, in memories, in faces - with heavy sighs
In songs, in stories, in books & all around me
In movies, in puppies, in babies & our family
When I wear your shirt, or smell your perfume
When I see an elephant that I want for a tattoo
When I hear a laugh that sounds so much like yours
When I find a card you wrote to me, it pours
Out of my chest, from way deep in my soul
The hurt is so painful & it takes its toll
My eyes burn red from tears that won't end
I miss my sister; I miss my friend
I wish I could see you beyond a picture frame
I wish I could hear you calling my name
I wish there would be another Harry Potter for you to read
I wish, how I wish, I could call you a geek
I wish we didn't spend so many years far apart
I know distance doesn't matter when you're in someone's heart
I wish we had just one more Sister's Day
I know that you're with me every step of my way
There are times when I feel you
And I know you're nearby
When I've needed you most
When I couldn't help but cry
You're still my big sister
And you're still watching out for me
I still love you,
and you still love me
Cathrin Ute (Eisermann) D'Avignon- Fairfield, OH - (52) - Cathi, has gone home to be with the Lord. She was born September 19, 1959 in Dresden, Germany and moved to America with her parents in 1961.
Cathi was a member of the graduating class of Chelmsford High School in 1977 where she was a majorette. That was the first class to graduate from the "new" building which still serves as the high school today. She also attended and graduated from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire where she met Michael D'Avignon who would become her husband in 1981. During and after college she worked for Delta Airlines and previously had worked for a small airline that chartered flights to and from Martha's Vineyard.
Cathi and Mike had two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle. Cathi got to be a stay at home Mom and she created her most precious memories with her two girls. She was a loving mother who invented games and told stories of far off fantasy lands. She gave a voice to the girl's treasured stuffed animals and she read to them each night before saying their prayers.
She enjoyed crafts, reading, singing, the beach and spending time with her family and her dog, Beemer, who she trained to do a variety of tricks and she taught herself how to juggle.
Cathi's favorite place was the zoo and she and Caitlin visited several times a week and they know most of the keepers and the animals by name.
Cathi had a special knack for giving just the right gift for any occasion. Whether it be a necklace or quilt she made, or a card she designed or something she hand picked just for you, she truly believed it's better to give than to receive.
She is survived by her husband, Michael D'Avignon and their two daughters, Caitlin and Danielle; her parents Margit and Klaus Eisermann of Chelmsford, MA; her brother Ralf Eisermann, his wife Heidi and their two children Cassie and Karl of Merrimack,NH; her sister Ulli Eisermann of Salisbury, MA; her Uncle Klaus and his wife Susan and their son Kurt of Marietta, OH; her Mother-in-Law Winifred D'Avignon of Florida; her brother-in-law David D'Avignon and his wife Lois of Cincinnati,OH; her brother-in-law Bill D'avignon and his wife Donna of Buffalo, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and countless friends. In particular, Cathi and her family would like to mention Melody, Sarah, Lisa, Kris, Thane and Misha who made a significant impact on her, and our, lives.
Memorial donations may be made in Cathi's name to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St,Cincinnati, OH 45220 if you're able and the family would also request you to hug your family tonight and do a good deed tomorrow.
*****************************
Cathi was born in Dresden, Germany on September 19, 1959 – the first born of Margit and Klaus Eisermann. In May of 1961 this small family moved to America and eventually settled down in New England. We have many black and white photos of Cathi at the beach, and with our grandmothers who we called Oma, with our brother Ralf, there were definitely pictures of Ralf and Cathi in matching leder hosen, and lots with our parents who she called Mama and Papa and with many childhood friends. One of the first pictures I can recall of she and I, is from the first night she was left to babysit me – our parents took the photo when they came home that night – and Cathi was standing in the doorway of our house, rocking me in her arms, and we are both crying. Fortunately her babysitting skills were not a sign of the mothering skills she would develop later on in life.
Cathi went to Chelmsford High School where she was a majorette. Then she went to Daniel Webster College and worked for Delta Airlines. While at Daniel Webster she met Mike.
In May of 1981 Cathi married the love of her life, Mike, and became a D'Avignon. Their reception was in a hotel that looked like a castle in New Hampshire, the perfect setting for the fairytale life that they would continue to lead.
In September 1984, Cathi and Mike welcomed a baby girl into the world. This tiny, innocent, beautiful baby would grow up with quite a gift. She has the gift of bringing out the best in everyone around her – whether they are human or animal. She will make your heart smile and you will be a better person just for knowing her. Some may call her the Horse/Dog/Cat/Bunny/Ferret Whisperer, but Cathi called her Caitlin, Kaykay, Cait, or Katie-pops.
In December 1989, Cathi and Mike were blessed once again with a dark haired bundle of joy. This big eyed, curious, gorgeous baby girl would also grow up with a wonderful gift. She has the ability to turn ideas into motion, to create with color in a fantasy world, to bring imagination to life. She loves renaissance faires and dragons and sets your inner child free. They named her Danielle, but Cathi called her D, DD and my baby girl.
Cathi would be fortunate enough that she got to stay home to raise her girls, to nurture them, teach them, and play with them, and in a way, hold on to her childhood a lot longer than most of us do. They read books like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the movies – like Harry Potter (all 7 of them), went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, The Krohn Conservatory, to country music concerts, watched BBT and Dancing With The Stars, and voted every week! They went to Disney and more often than not their family vacations would bring them back to New England to visit Cathi's family, which by now included Ralf's wife Heidi, and their children Cassandra and Karl. There they would go to the beach and build castles, go to animal parks, visit the Clydesdales, have a lobster dinner, but maybe it didn't matter what was for dinner – it only mattered that our Mom was cooking it – and – we would all hold hands and say "Gezegnete Meilt Zeit" (Blessed Meal Time)as we gathered at the table where we would indulge in some German favorites and all boast about how no one's was as good as Ma's.
As a family we would try to spend as much time together as possible whenever the D'Avignons would come to visit. We would often all stay in the same house and made up new traditions like "Un-birthday parties" since we weren't able to be together for actual birthdays. And we had a semi-annual family talent show where we would sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic or explain science phenomenon's but mostly we would laugh. Another favorite thing we would do is play a board game that Cathi made that was all related to our family. Or we'd play a game of Uno where the deck of cards had our faces on them. You couldn't buy a better game and you couldn't have more fun than we did whenever we were together.
Cathi loved her family more than anything on this planet and when you would say "I love you" she would often say "I love you more"
I will miss my sister – more than I can say – more than there are words to express. My heart will be forever heavy – but because I know that Cathi would always want us to laugh, be positive and live life to the fullest – I will try to keep my heart heavy with memories – so full of joy that there isn't any room for the sadness that I feel today.
Rest easy now Cathi – give both Oma's and Opa's a big hug from me – keep us safe and healthy and we'll see you again someday. I love you more!
Maternal Grandmother
Maternal Grandfather
Paternal Grandmother
Paternal Uncle
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Poem written by Ulli Eisermann (C) 2013 on the 1 year anniversary passing of Cathi D'Avignon
1 year
12 months
52 weeks
365 days
525,600 minutes
It really doesn't matter how you say it
There are days I still don't believe it
I still see you everywhere
In mornings, in evenings, in rainbows & butterflies
In photos, in memories, in faces - with heavy sighs
In songs, in stories, in books & all around me
In movies, in puppies, in babies & our family
When I wear your shirt, or smell your perfume
When I see an elephant that I want for a tattoo
When I hear a laugh that sounds so much like yours
When I find a card you wrote to me, it pours
Out of my chest, from way deep in my soul
The hurt is so painful & it takes its toll
My eyes burn red from tears that won't end
I miss my sister; I miss my friend
I wish I could see you beyond a picture frame
I wish I could hear you calling my name
I wish there would be another Harry Potter for you to read
I wish, how I wish, I could call you a geek
I wish we didn't spend so many years far apart
I know distance doesn't matter when you're in someone's heart
I wish we had just one more Sister's Day
I know that you're with me every step of my way
There are times when I feel you
And I know you're nearby
When I've needed you most
When I couldn't help but cry
You're still my big sister
And you're still watching out for me
I still love you,
and you still love me
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"In God's Loving Care"
