Catherine Ann Overholt (Lassen), 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully with her loving husband by her side on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Born February 18, 1951, Cathy was the daughter of the late Erwin and Alma (Murray) Lassen. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, David, and her two sons Kirk Bowser and Ryan Bowser (Kendra) and her five grandchildren, Kaelyn, Cady, Carrson, Noah, and Eva. Cathy was also survived by sisters Linda (Jack) Florent, & Myra (John) Lassen, and brothers Stan (Margie) Lassen, Matt Lassen, and Joe Lassen. She was preceded in death by two brothers James (Jim) and John Lassen, and her sister, Mary Sue Baldwin.

Cathy was a graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne and received her Associate Degree from Ivy Tech. She retired from Aging and In-Home Services in 2016. While she enjoyed her work, she really shined while living out her dream of owning and operating her boutique shop, Downtown Cards and Gifts, on Calhoun Street. She was ahead of her time in her vision for a thriving revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne.

Cathy loved going on trips and adventures with David, her friends, and family. Cathy and David logged an admirable number of miles, walked on the beach, spent hours next to the ocean and pool in many of their favorite locations.

Cathy was known for her outgoing personality, but specifically, her ability to make you feel at home, no matter where you were. She was always able to make time for a call, a conversation, and most importantly a hug. Her hugs were the substance of legend and she passed that on to her husband and two sons. She never knew a stranger and always made anyone and everyone feel welcome in her presence.

In her formidable years, busy performing the daunting task of parenting her two ornery kids; as well as, any of their friends that entered her home. She was always willing to offer up life advice, and when needed, teach a lesson! She hugged children not her own with the same embrace and intensity as she would her own children.

In 2019, Cathy was diagnosed with two different types of cancer. With David by her side, she fought the disease during the height of Covid and received a clean scan in late 2020. In the months and years that followed, she was diagnosed three more times with lung cancer. She received treatment and was able to beat the cancer every time. She battled like a champion and was always able to keep going. While it may have slowed her down a few times, it certainly didn't stop her; what a testament to her strong will and fighting spirit.

Despite doctors attempting to fill her calendar with appointments and treatment schedules, her ability to make time and be readily available was never more prevalent than it was with her grandkids. She was always ready at a moment's notice, with keys in hand, to pick up a kid, drop off a kid, move a kid from one place to another… work, school, appointments, shopping, dinner… Etc. She never turned down an opportunity to spend time with one of her grandkids, if only for a few minutes on a small drive.

Over the years, Cathy picked up many hobbies and almost always had busy hands. She created a full-blown stain glass studio complete with a light table and dozens of her own personal designs and creations. Her artwork can be found in the homes of many friends and family. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and for a time, tatting lace and doilies.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home from 3:00-5:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM on Tuesday September 26th, 2023.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider making a donation to either or both of the following organizations, per Cathy & David's wishes: Cancer Services of NE Indiana or Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana.