Obituary of Catherine Dugar

Catherine C. Dugar (Purichia) passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Dugar, parents Angelo and Josephine (Lombardi) Purichia, brothers; William, Nicholas (Elaine Romer), Spiro, and Joseph, and sister; Nula Harmon (Joseph).  She is survived by daughters; Mary Dugar and Christine Moore; brothers; Carol (Donna Marietta), Michael (Doris Neff) and Steven (Sylvia Wrobleski); and sister-in-law; Janet Purichia-Mitchell; grandchildren; Alexis, Hunter, Heather, Jackson, Kendall Moore and great granddaughter Aubree Moore as well as several generations of nieces and nephews.

Born December 6, 1928, she was the oldest of 9 children.  She learned about the importance of family and hard work at an early age as she helped care for her siblings and got her first job at 13 years old.  She graduated from Washington High School, where her brothers became involved in football. 

She worked at Real Silk Hosiery and also as a secretary in a medical office.  She joined KSKJ and attended many events such as polka dances., bowling tournaments, and she met her husband, Albert, through the network of friends.  They married and had two daughters.

Catherine and Al were members of Holy Trinity parish before moving to Brownsburg where they were members of St. Malachy Parish.  She was a homemaker, volunteering at school and church events, was a member of St. Malachy Altar Society and part of the committee for the inaugural hog roast which has become a favorite fall festival at St. Malachy.                  

When her kids were a bit older, she accepted a job at Brownsburg High School cafeteria as a cashier and also worked a couple of evenings at JC Penny in Lafayette Square Mall.  Once her husband was diagnosed with dementia, she quit to care for him.

Catherine never met a stranger.  Back when everyone had landlines, her husband joked that she’s the only person he knew that would answer the phone that was a wrong number and hold  a 30-minute conversation while making a new friend. Everyone was welcome in her home, and it was a pleasant surprise when someone would stop by unannounced. One would never leave her house hungry or be refused dinner if they showed up unexpected during family dinner. She didn’t have the best of everything, but shared what she had.  She loved to write poetry and spend time with her grandkids.  Family was always essential to her.  She took care of everyone else before caring for herself. She had a great sense of humor and liked to laugh. She would always have a smile and be willing to pitch in and help when needed. She would bring her young daughters on errands, to visit friends or to her various volunteer functions. She would often announce her arrival, “Here I am you lucky people!” Everyone would laugh and her kids would cower from embarrassment. She loved to watch Raymond, Golden Girls and surprisingly, South Park.

Eventually, she required more advanced care and was fortunate to live at Westside Healthcare.  She was a part of the Westside family for close to ten years and made many friends there with staff and the residents. 

Catherine would want to make sure that the nurses, aides, activities and cafeteria staff were recognized and thanked for providing and caring for her the past several years at Westside.  Many times, the cafeteria would make her something special or bring her extra treats to encourage her to eat. The nurses and aides’ cane to know her well and due to her routine, would anticipate her requests before she would ask for something.  She will miss you all.   Catherine became a part of the Kindred family as well, and although this was a very brief time, wanted to thank them for their quick response to unscheduled calls and for the many visits to increase her level of care and for the supplemental support provided to ensure her comfort.

During her stay at Westside, St. Christopher’s would send care packages and have students write letters.  She wrote back to one of the students, and his mother brought him to meet her.  This made her day.  Thanks so much for bringing happiness.  This little act of kindness didn’t seem like much but brightened her day.  Please continue this program. 

Catherine would also want to thank the ER Department, ED staff, ICU/PCU, and med/surg unit 3 at IU West for the exceptional care she received during her many visits to your hospital.  You were all very attentive, caring, and knowledgeable.

Thank you to the KSKJ for their support and care packages throughout the years.

She also wanted to thank Fr. Danda at St. Malachy for visiting her at the hospital and administering the anointing of the sick sacrament.

One more thank you to Catherine’s many relatives and friends who visited, spent time, and chatted with her.  She loved you all and was always happy to see you.  

Thank you for sharing in her life.