Cathy Birdnow February 3, 1961 - December 13, 2025

Sustained with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church and died in her arms on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Beloved wife of Tim Birdnow; loving daughter-in-law to Jim and the late Jan Birdnow; cherished sister of Clare Dunsford (Stephen Pfohl), Mark Dunsford, Dr. Maggi Dunsford Coplin (Bill), and Ann Dunsford (Dr. Charles Conway), who cared for her tirelessly till the end; beloved sister-in-law to Eric Birdnow and Brian Birdnow; dearly loved “Aunt Kiki” to J.P. Manion, Michael Coplin (Lindsay), Meg Coplin, Catherine Dunsford (Ryan Whitney), Elizabeth Dunsford Conway, AnnaGrace Dunsford Conway (Michael Hiney), and Max Birdnow; great-aunt to Jack Coplin; cousin of Margaret Ann Ford, Richard Smith, and the late Steven Smith; and kind friend to all those lucky enough to cross her path.

Cathy was born in Cambridge, MA, earning her the nickname of “the Cambridge kid”.  Her inherent cuteness & happy nature eventually led to the nickname of “Dorby (adorable) Doll.”  From birth, Cathy met obstacles with a twinkle in her eye and a great sense of humor that stayed with her until the end.  She was spunky and stubborn, loyal and fiercely loving, with a big heart.  One Thanksgiving when she was in her early twenties, her parents were alarmed to learn that she had invited a stranger, an unhoused man in her neighborhood, into her apartment for dinner; she saw his need and not her own safety.  Cathy graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School, attended STLCC-Meramec, and worked hard all her life.  She married her beloved husband Tim in 1993 after meeting him at her sister Ann’s wedding, and they enjoyed 32 years of marriage.  Together, they had many fun adventures and took great care of each other–their devotion to each other was a lovely example to all.

Cathy had a deep, deep faith and it was this tremendous faith that sustained her through all life’s challenges and trials. She was an inspiration to all who met her.

A lover of music, Cathy studied piano for many years, a hobby that brought her great joy.  She also loved cats and was parent to many.  Her heart was full of love for creatures great and small.  She was also an excellent bowler, once bowling a 299 in a league competition.

Cathy, aka Aunt Kiki, is now at peace, reunited with her parents, Mari and Jack, and her brother Gerard, and her cherished cats.  She will be forever missed. She was truly one of a kind!