Cathy Brassell Obituary

Cathy Brassell, beloved mother, and former Durango 9-R school board member passed away on September 16th in Franklin, TN.

Born Catherine Sue Heath in Syracuse, NY in 1946, Cathy was the oldest of six children of Charles and Elizabeth Heath.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Theater Arts from San Diego State University, where she performed as an actress in several productions at The Old Globe Theater. She would appear in other theater productions for several years.

Besides acting, she dedicated her life to her love, Dan Brassell, former director of the Durango Public Library (who passed in 2013). They married in Borrego Springs, CA in 1968 and traveled the world together throughout their lives. They raised their family in locales from New York to California, Iowa to Colorado, Massachusetts to Arizona.

In Durango, Cathy worked at the cable television office and later for various local doctors. She was an avid reader and astronomy & movie buff, and in retirement, she was active in Catholic Daughters of America, Women's Club, and the American Legion. For her efforts on the 9-R school board, she was recognized as a Colorado All-State school board member.

Most importantly, her kids adored her and could always depend on her enthusiastic conversations and quick wit. She brightened every room she stepped in, and all the world was truly her stage.

Cathy is survived by all her younger siblings, including (locally) Char Senteney of Hesperus and formerly Mary Eggleston who now lives in Casa Grande, AZ; daughter Liz Brassell of Franklin, TN; and sons Danny Brassell of Denver and Jim Brassell of Newbury Park, CA, along with their wives and five grandchildren(Kate, Sean, Samantha, Connor & Caroline) in total.

She will be cremated, and her children will spread her and her beloved husband's ashes over San Francisco Bay, where the two spent their honeymoon. No services are planned.

Her children ask the public to be considerate of one another and either get vaccinated or wear a mask to prevent additional COVID deaths. Please support your local library and schools.

Published by The Durango Herald on Oct. 7, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I was so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. I adored working with Cathy at Dr. William's office.
She and I started Women United in Christ just before she moved, so she was not able to attend our first event in October 1998. WUIC continued to bring in speakers once a year through 2009. She was my inspiration to bring women together from all the different churches in Durango and also Farmington. The Catholic Daughters were always the ladies who handed out our name tags and information each year as the women arrived I wish Cathy could have been a part of that dream of bringing "women together from all denominations in prayer". It was amazing.
I have a picture of Cathy from a birthday lunch we did for her at The Place. I wanted to send it along but after taking a picture of it I could not figure out how to download it to my computer. Liz if you see this message maybe you could send me your phone # and I could text it to you or your address and I will mail the picture to you. Eileen (970) 749-4743

Eileen Goebel

Work

January 5, 2022

I'm so sorry. Cathy and Dan were such a great couple, each one augmenting the other. How lovely to think they're together again now.

Jane Ulrich

October 16, 2021

I will surely miss my best friend and partner in crime. I think about her every day. Her the actress and me the comedian . What a team we made. What a Beautiful Obituary. Your such a wonderful daughter.

SANDRA RICHARDSON

October 15, 2021

What a beautiful tribute to your mom! She was well loved, and didn't miss a moment of life. I hope all the wonderful memories you have help you through this tough time; take solace in knowing your parents are once again together. The world is a better place for her having been part of it. With love to all.....

Jim and Karen Balduzzi

October 15, 2021

Cathy´s smile and warm greeting is missed dearly. So thankful to spend, even a short time, as a neighbor.

Charles Robinson

October 15, 2021

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