In Loving Memory of Mary Catherine “Cathy” Crane
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Cathy Crane, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Cathy peacefully departed this life after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and care for others.
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Cathy was known for her kindness, beauty, and friendly smile. She graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, where she was a flag girl and friend to all.
Cathy’s dream in life was to be a mom. That dream was realized when she had her first child, Heather in 1975. Heather recalls many adventures with her young, energetic mom, including the time that Cathy woke Heather in the middle of the night during a snowstorm to go sledding down the huge hill by the old Charlotte Coliseum. Cathy gave birth to her second daughter Ivy, her green-eyed beauty, in May, 1989, and in April 1991, she had her sweet, red-headed, blue-eyed baby boy, Cole. All of her children fondly remember the way Cathy celebrated their birthdays by checking them out of school early and making them feel important on their special days. She enthusiastically planned secret surprise parties, elaborate sleepovers, and shopping sprees. Cathy adored her children and would have done anything for each of them. Her pride in her children for their individual accomplishments was palpable.
Cathy started a career in the restaurant business as a cocktail waitress in the 1980s and quickly transitioned to the kitchen where she learned the artistry of cooking and baking. She served as a line cook, sous chef, and eventually head chef at Nickleby’s Restaurant. Cathy’s passion for the culinary arts led her to a remarkable career in some of Charlotte’s most iconic restaurants through the 1990s. With determination and skill, Cathy became a respected chef and caterer, inspiring many with her dedication and artistry. Cathy hung up her chef’s hat when Ivy and Cole were younger so that she could make her own schedule and spend more time with them.
Later in life, Cathy was a caregiver, dedicating her time and energy to helping others. She never met a stranger and befriended most people with her open heart and willingness to listen without judgment. Many of Cathy’s friends felt they were one of the most important parts of her life, a true testament to the way she loved people.
Cathy was preceded in death by her brother, Bud; her mother Dolores and stepfather Jim; and her father Bill and stepmother Sally. We know they welcomed her with open arms!
Cathy cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her brothers Chris Crane (Jill) and Andy Crane (Amy), her stepsister Deb (Paul), her sister-in-law Kay, her nephews Rusty, Christopher, and Kyle, her niece Randi, and her grand nephews Drew and Xander. In addition to her three loving children, Heather Coffey (Corwin), Ivy Bell (Nick), and Cole Mercer, she is survived by five adoring grandchildren, Corinne, Gracie, Blake, Jacie, and Gavin, who brought immense joy to her life. Her grands will always remember her as a fun-loving “Nana” with whom they baked and snuggled.
As we say farewell to Cathy, we celebrate a life well-lived and a soul that brought light to our world. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held to honor Cathy’s memory on Friday, January 24 at 1:00 PM at The Good Samaritan Funeral Home in Denver, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Levine and Dickson Hospice House, where she spent the last week of her life being cared for by the warmest and most compassionate nursing staff.
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