Catherine Mary "Cathy" Davenport

Cathy Davenport, age 74, of Price Hill, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 26, 1950 to Albert and Anita Bedinghaus (nee Gehred).

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Rev. Mr. D. Michael Davenport.

Cathy was the beloved mother of Lynn Davenport, and Eric (Michelle) Davenport. The loving grandmother of Paige and Hanna Davenport and of Liam Lehman. The dear sister of Terry (Mike) Etter, Jerry (Nancy) Bedinghaus, and Lynn (Ed) Melzer. The lifelong best friend of Janice Pollitt. The caring aunt to many nieces and nephews, and chosen second “mom” to some dear friends.

The second daughter of Albert and Anita Bedinghaus. Our mom grew up in Westwood, and became a Cosmetologist. One of her customers knew that mom would be perfect for her son. She kept talking her son, Mike, up to mom and eventually mom gave in and met him. Soon the two were dating, and after taking her on what has gone down in family history as “The Longest Five Minute Drive Ever,” mom’s first, and only, motorcycle ride with Mike, (mom was scared to death and squeezed dad so tight, that they thought she’d broken his ribs. Thankfully she hadn’t.), the two became engaged. They were married in March of 1974 and their first child, Lynn, was born the following year with their son Eric following a few years later.

We know a lot of people say this but, we had the absolute best parents, hands down! They were awesome! They were both hard working, fun loving, caring, kind, compassionate parents who raised my brother and me to be the individuals we are today.

Our mother taught us, and our friends, many things; to be kind, to be honest, and to be fair. She also taught us things like it’s possible to enjoy reading, even outside of school, how to paint a room without much prep work, that it’s okay to do things for yourself but it’s also okay to have help, how to win a water balloon fight, how to hem clothes, how to ice a cake without getting crumbs on it, and so much more.

Our mom was the planner, the supporter, the miracle worker in our family. She was always there for people, especially the family, whatever they may need, and if she could help she would. She always helped family make their dreams come true, no matter how large or small. Whether making dresses, to curtains, to the perfect hair styles. To getting into college, to making weather-proof cow Christmas decorations, or even to go to Disney. If it was within her power she would do it.

Among her many talents our mom was also a jokester. She had this look, this glint she’d get in her eye when she was up to something. A trait she had inherited from her father, and one that has been seen in other family members as well. She loved hearing and telling jokes, as well as funny stories. She also liked to stir the pot or rile people up, especially her siblings, in the name of fun. She was also the mastermind behind some pretty good practical jokes over the years. She was so good in fact that some people to this day don’t know that she was the one who pulled off the joke. (And no, we’re never telling what we may or may not know, so don’t ask.)

While our mom taught us a ton of things, some of the ones that really stuck are:
• What your father doesn’t know won’t hurt him
• Spackle is your friend. It can solve a lot of problems, not all of them but a lot.
• A little goes a long way
• No I am not going to “Woo” with you. You have your brother, Maria, Chris, and your nieces and nephew to “Woo” with you.
• Remember, fifty feet on a galloping horse
• Chocolate Surprise
• Bolts can be used in a pinch
• You’ve got to do what you can live with

That last one is probably the most important lesson our mother ever taught us, we used it a lot these last few weeks. “When you’re not sure what choice to make in a situation remember to choose the one that you can live with, the one that won’t make you second guess yourself or make you feel guilty, because at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with that choice.” It’s not always an easy choice but this thought does help.

As we’re preparing to close this out we find ourselves recalling different memories, moments, of mom. Her smiling at the grandkids. Her quick wit with her siblings. Teasing Eric or I. Helping Michelle with a project. Giving our friends advice. Janice and her laughing. Her walking around farm fields. Being fondly exasperated with dad. Her ‘do not disturb time’ for watching Wheel of Fortune and NCIS. Family dinners, both large and small. That glint in her eye. Her hugs.

So as we gather to celebrate our mom’s life and grieve her passing, we hope that you too have come to recall all the things that made our mom special to you, and perhaps learned a few more things about the extraordinary woman that we are proud and honored to have been able to call “mom.”

Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2024 in St Teresa of Avila Church, 1175 Overlook Ave at Glenway, from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, and in loving memory of Cathy, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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