Many of you knew Cathy Szudy – she was a member of WALC since the earliest days and an active IBCLC and midwife in the Madison area. Cathy died on Tuesday, July 25th after battling an aggressive brain cancer. She will be greatly missed in our community of breastfeeding advocates.
Cathy Ann Szudy
10/24/1949-07/25/2017Cathy Ann Szudy (Schimmel) passed away peacefully surrounded by family, following a six-month battle with brain cancer.
Cathy is survived by six grown children, their five spouses/significant others, fifteen grandchildren, her brother and sister and their spouses, nieces, nephews and many other dear relatives and friends.
Her mother, father and infant daughter Gretchen Marie precede Cathy in death.
Cathy took pride in both motherhood and her career. In addition to raising six children, she returned to school as an adult to become first a registered nurse, then a lactation consultant and finally a certified nurse midwife. Cathy was passionate about women’s strength and abilities to grow, birth and nourish their young. She helped and supported countless families to achieve their goals. She was part of many community organizations and events over the years to increase breastfeeding rates, education and support.
She was very proud that all her children achieved higher education, and perhaps even more proud that all fifteen grandkids were breastfed.
Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life.
She had a special place in her heart for families experiencing loss, spurred by the loss of her own child, Gretchen.
Cathy was known to be a devoted friend. She encouraged and inspired many to dream big and work towards their goals in life, education and career.
Please join us in a celebration of life and ice cream social between 1 and 4 Sunday, July 30th at Cress Funeral, 6021 University Ave. Madison.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in memorium to:Breastfeeding Coalition of South Central Wisconsin – Cathy Szudy Scholarship Fund
FNU Student Scholarship Fund
