Catherine May Stoddard

Catherine Stoddard

On Sunday, October 18th, 2015, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Catherine May Aldrich Stoddard died peacefully in the presence of her family, after a decline in health due to Kidney failure.  She spent her last days surrounded by the love, warmth, sweet words, and gentle kisses of her family in her home.  Her three children, Debra Stoddard, Rhonda Stoddard Spivey and Edwin Stoddard, survive her.

Born to Alexander Aldrich and Marie Irigaray Aldrich Warren on February 3, 1927 in Lovelock, Nevada. She grew up through the Depression in Fernley, NV. 

 She later married the first love of her life, Ronald Stoddard.  Because of Ron’s Marine Corps Service, they spent the first years of their marriage stationed around the country, and eventually settling in North Ogden, Utah.  After his early death, she endured and overcame many struggles, and later celebrated 39 years of sobriety.  She shared the second part of her life with her second love, John R. Smith who preceded her passing by one year. 

Catherine lived a full life and always held her family near.  She extended warm love, and generosity without exception.  She was proud of her Basque heritage and had always hoped to visit her mother's homeland in Esterencuby, France; but her love for her husbands, 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, country music and a late night snack of graham crackers dipped in milk filled her 88 years to the brim. She shared her love of cooking and recipes with her family, and we will all think of her as we smell and gently stir a pot of her spaghetti. She will be missed dearly; goodbye Momma, Grandma, and Nana, we love you so.

Her family would like to thank the caregivers at Brio Hospice Care for their kindness, experience and efforts to ensure her gentle passing. 

On Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, a gathering for family and friends will be held at Aaron’s Mortuary, 496 24th St, Ogden, Utah followed by the celebration of a Funeral Mass at 10 am to be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4050 S 3900 W, West Haven, Utah. She will rest next to her two loves in the Ogden City Cemetery.