Catherine Mary Howe

Catherine Mary Howe, age 75, of Scott Township, went home peacefully surrounded by her adoring family on September 20, 2024. 

She was born in Pittsburgh in the year 1949 to John and Margaret Audia. She attended Fontbonne Academy and Point Park University. To her, the most important job was taking care of her family. She also created and served as the executive director of Mother’s Hope Foundation. 

Cathy was preceded in death by her loving parents Margaret and John Audia, mother and father-in-law Margaret  and Joseph Howe, sister Cynthia (Pierre) Larouche, and sister-in-law Janice (John) Volante. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, James, and cherished children, Chris (Elizabeth) Howe, Lyndsay (Anthony) Capriotti, and Chelsea (John) Farrell. Most precious were her beloved grandchildren, Mia, Luca, Cameron, Maria, Michael, and Rory. Also survived by her brother John (Sharon) Audia, sister-in-law Judy (Chip) Ross and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her biggest dream was to become a Mother, and later a Nana. She spent every day caring for her family and thanking her children for the greatest gifts she had ever received, her grandkids. She was young at heart and full of joy, always making everyone and every moment feel special. She was an eternal optimist with a love for happy endings, especially Hallmark movies and cheering for Pittsburgh sports teams with her grandkids.

Being a mother extended beyond her family. In 1997, she founded Mother’s Hope Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as well as an orphanage in Medjugorje, Bosnia. She made it her mission to help these children and created the only permanent Endowment Fund of its kind in the oncology department at the hospital. Her vision, determination and legacy will live on and be remembered forever.

Additionally, she began a group called Mother’s Pilgrims which brought people for over 20 years to Medjugorje, an apparition site of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She helped people find hope and faith by introducing them to the love of God and his mother. She also published a book, “A Heavenly Promise – In Search of My Mother’s Garden I Found My Own” and started  the Medjugorje Prayer group at Sts. Simon & Jude Church.

There was no one she wouldn’t pray for or listen to. She told everyone of the love God had for them, and even kept rosary beads and medals in her car to lovingly share with those she would meet.

Her testament of faith was boundless. She was an inspiration and a messenger of hope. Her strength, dignity, and grace were unmatched. She was a mother to many, but no one adored her more than her family. 

Mom, thank you for showing us the meaning of love and the face of God. We love you, “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

From Cathy: “Thank you for letting me be a part of your life – Please Pray for Me.”

Cathy and her family would like to thank all of the people who helped care for her over the years at Hilman Cancer Center, St. Clair Hospital and Concordia Hospice. Memorial Donations can be made to Mothers Hope Foundation, 133 Black Oak Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 or at www.mothershope.org.  NO VISITATION. Family and Friends are welcome to attend the funeral mass on Thursday 11:00 am at St. Bernard Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Bishop David Zubik officiating. Burial will be private to the family. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp. (412-563-2800)