Catherine A. MacKenzie, 86, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30, 2023 at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI.
Catherine was born on January 2, 1937 in Palmyra, WI the daughter of Ernest and Ruth (Frodl) Congdon. She grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School. She continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, graduating with a teaching degree. Catherine enjoyed being a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in the Town of Troy. She had fond memories of the travel experiences she had with the teachers’ association. She was united in marriage to Alex MacKenzie and the two would later divorce but remained friends until Alex’s passing in 2015. Catherine and Alex were blessed with seven children. Catherine was a devoted mother, making sure her children had everything they needed as they were her number one priority. Catherine had a very loving personality and taking care of others’ needs came naturally to her. Her Catholic faith was also a major part of her life. She was a very active parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra for many years where she taught CCD classes. She also was a history buff and greatly enjoyed sharing her love of history with others. She worked at Old World Wisconsin as an actor and guide for many years and enjoyed every minute. Catherine liked to stay informed about her community. Most recently, she especially enjoyed her visits with her dear friend, Michael Sullivan, as it was difficult for her to leave home. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she will be sincerely missed.
She is survived by: 5 loving children, Greg MacKenzie of Whitewater, AJ MacKenzie of Whitewater, Henry (Kay) MacKenzie of Mukwonago, Margaret MacKenzie of Loup City, NE, and Gabe MacKenzie of Whitewater; 6 grandchildren, Cheyenne, Waylon, Johnathan (Nikki), Private First Class Ryan, Gabe, Jr., and Alexandra; a great-grandchild Lila; and her brother, Richard Congdon of Palmyra.
She is preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children, Alex MacKenzie, two dear sons, Michael and Ernest, and her siblings, William, Mary Lou and David Congdon.
Catherine’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Mercy Home Health Care for the loving care they provided to Catherine over the last several years.
Memorials in Catherine’s honor may be made to AngelsGrace Hospice Center.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, WI. Msgr. Donn Heiar will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Catherine will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com
