Obituary of Cathy Ann Settle

Cathy Ann Settle passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 28, 2023 after 9 years of steadfastly battling the brutal effects of West Nile and Parkinson’s. She was a natural beauty (body and soul). She was vibrant, creative, protective, gracious, fun, encouraging, compassionate, sharp, confident, assertive, witty, strong, courageous, resilient, happy, industrious, productive, persevering, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was an excellent role model for any woman.

 

Cathy was born on August 31, 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland to Herbert Franklin Parks and Carole Anne (Diamond) Parks. After high school in Edgewood, Maryland, she became one of the best trauma nurses in the country, beginning as a staff nurse at the renowned University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center serving in the Critical Care Recovery Unit and Neurosurgical/Neuroscience Intensive Care Units. She moved to Colorado in 1994 and worked in the Surgical ICU at Denver Health Medical Center. In 1996, she met a volunteer serving in the ICU (Edward). They had a first date to the hospital Christmas party, fell head over heels in love, and were married in May 1997.

 

From 1997 to 1999, Cathy served as Nurse Manager and Clinical Research Nurse at the prestigious National Jewish Health in Denver. After her son was born in 1999, she occasionally served as an agency nurse at multiple hospitals around the Denver Metro area. She really enjoyed time spent with her growing family as her next daughter entered the world. When her youngest daughter was born in 2004, she devoted her attention full time to stay-at-home mom. She was so talented, efficient, and kind, everyone knew Cathy could be counted on for anything … church, school, or neighborhood gatherings and even over-the-top dinner for friends or just impromptu cinnamon rolls and scones.

 

In 2013, Cathy wanted to live on a particular road near Timnath, Colorado. Edward knocked on doors along the road and found someone willing to sell. While working tirelessly to enhance both interior and exterior of their beautiful place, Cathy nearly died from a mosquito bite in 2014, a second round of meningitis and encephalitis in 2015, and a disastrous head injury when she slipped on ice in 2020. From December 2020 to September 2023, Cathy enjoyed a new property in Loveland, Colorado tending sheep, chickens, newly planted windbreaks, and a beautiful flower and herb garden.

 

Cathy is survived by Donald Edward Settle (husband), Ostin Parker Settle (son), Carlin Alanna Settle (daughter), Ainslea Rianne Settle (daughter), Heather Renee Settle (step-daughter), Frank and Carole Parks (parents), and Donna Richardson and Karen Rizwan (sisters). She was preceded in death by her Deborah (Debbie) Hall (sister).

 

In 2023, Cathy wanted to share with the world what her life has been like living with Parkinson’s, and how friends and family have been impacted by this horrible disease. In lieu of flowers, please express your interest in her memoir to be published in 2024 by sending an email with your contact information to [email protected]. A Celebration of Life gathering will honor Cathy after her memoir has been published.

 

For all those who have served and loved on Cathy and supported our family through these difficult years, words cannot express our gratitude. Thank you.

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