Catherine Holz

Catherine Braun Holz

Age 86 of Dallas, Texas, formerly Wilmington, passed away Saturday January 28, 2017 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

Catherine Braun Holz was born Catherine Helen Braun in Aurora, Illinois on June 29, 1930. The treasured only child of Ruth Walsh Braun and Herbert John Braun, she attended Catholic grade school, under the watchful eye of her mother and her adoring Auntie Helen Walsh Hawkinson, both teachers. She graduated from Aurora East High School in 1948, and went on to complete a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Always an honor student, Cathy was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Officer in Panhellenic and active in many campus activities including Star Course.  It was there, in the campus activities office at the Illini Union, that Catherine met the man of her dreams, Harold Arthur Holz, of Peotone, Illinois.  Hal was at the U of I studying AG Engineering on the GI bill. Soon after Cathy's graduation in May, she and Hal married on August 9, 1952, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Aurora.  The newlyweds made their first home in Peotone, then moved to Wilmington, where they remained for nearly 60 years, until relocating to Dallas, Texas, for warmer weather and proximity to many of their 8 beloved grandchildren.

121 South Joliet Street became home base for the Holz family in 1955 when they purchased and lovingly restored the Pre Civil War property.  Cathy and Hal raised their four children there, opening their home to countless friends, hosting family holiday celebrations, investing in the community of Wilmington, the school systems and their Parish.

Cathy chose Teaching as her profession, but after just two years teaching kindergarten students, she yearned to explore her more creative gifts.  She attended the Chicago Art Institute and emerged a talented Floral Designer.  Trained in global technique and design, Cathy loved both the art and the science of her new career as a Floriculturist.

She was an avid gardener, harvesting interesting plants from around the region and importing specimens from across the country, as evidenced by her prized hosta bed under the shade of the massive Maple tree at 121.  Cathy was active in the Wilmington Garden Club, elected for numerous leadership positions, including President.  She honed her craft, continuing her training, competing in Flower Show Competitions across the area, and eventually achieving credentials as a Jr. Flower Show Judge. After her children were through early education, she enjoyed a professional career as Floral Designer, working at Cinderella Flowers, Coal City, The Lemon Drop and finally the Flower Loft in Wilmington.

Cathy and Hal combined their considerable knowledge and passions for horticulture and design to transform the family home, into a Christmas Showcase which was opened to the public on the Wilmington Garden Club Christmas Walk. One of their final projects as a couple was the support of Riley's Garden where they worked tirelessly to help install, water and nurture the young Garden.

Cathy's proudest achievement was her family.  Her four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild were the jewels in her crown. She invested deeply in her family, initially nurturing her children with her considerable academic gifts, musical talent and domestic skills. She was patient but vigilant in checking homework and always insisted on use of perfect grammar!  She loved to bake and sew, play the piano and sing, and was the ever proud mother sitting first row for each and every concert, performance, speech, horse show, 4H fair or athletic event. While purely a city girl by birth, she loved her small town life and embraced the role of a farmer's wife and helpmate with humility and devotion.

Survivors include two sons: John (Veronica) Holz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Arthur (Judy) Holz of Frankfort; one daughter: Catherine Fletcher of Dripping Springs, Texas; eight grandchildren: Zachary Holz, Kimi Holz, Robert (Kate) Discher, John (Crissalane) Discher, Hunter Fletcher, Chase Fletcher, J. Garrett Fletcher and Allison Fletcher; great grandson: Holz Harold Discher; sister-in-law: Betty Jo Holz; nephew: Paul (Anne) Holz and his children Tom and Laura Holz.

Cathy was preceded in death her parents: Ruth and Herb; her husband: Harold, and son: James.

Visitation will be Friday February 3, 2017 at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Steve Bondi will preside, and burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Wilmington, where Cathy will be laid to rest with her husband Hal.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Cathy’s memory to: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481, or Wilmington School District 209 U Foundation for Excellence, 209 Wildcat Court, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Cathy’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington 815-476-2181.