Catherine Angela (Schultz) Radecki, born September 27, 1919 in Junction, OH died September 28, 2016 in Rathdrum, ID at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Cornel Strain where she was lovingly cared for by them. She was 97 years old. Catherine was the eldest daughter of Roman Schultz and Freda (Strabele) Schultz. She was the granddaughter of William Schultz and Rosa (Arend) Schultz; and Adam Strabele and Elizabeth (Schuler) Strabele. Catherine had many fond memories of growing up in Paulding County, OH. She especially loved to visit all of her aunts and uncles as well as grandparents. Her family was very important to her. She loved growing up on a farm. Catherine graduated from Fostoria High School, class of 1937. She went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, OH. While working at St. Vincent Hospital she met her husband, Joseph Radecki, M.D. Catherine married Joseph on February 19, 1941 at Ft. Bragg, NC. Of this union 8 children were born. Although a busy mother, she was a political and social activist. She was personally involved in at least two presidential campaigns and several elections on the local level. She was fervent in her campaign relative to water fluoridation and sex education in the schools and was a radio talk show guest and TV show panel guest contributing to the discussion and development of the issues of her day. Catherine created a beautiful home in Toledo, OH. She loved decorating and gardening. While living in Toledo, OH she was president of the Westmoreland Garden Club. Her garden was always beautiful. Both her mother and grandmother were avid gardeners and she inherited their interest and love of flowers. While living with her daughter Mary in Rathdrum, ID she would often pick flowers from Mary’s lovely flower garden and create beautiful arrangements. She enjoyed music and continued to play the piano daily until her death. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and she credited this to her mother. She was a member of the Altar Guild and would often arrange the flowers for the church. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Joseph Radecki in 1989, her sons Timothy Radecki in 1993 and Raymond Radecki in 2015, as well as her siblings, Hallard Schultz, Thelma Barbour and Helen Scherger. Surviving are her children: Dr. Thomas Radecki (Dianne) of Clarion, PA, Dr. Patrick Radecki (Linda) of Lake Oswego, OR, Mary (Cornel) Strain of Rathdrum ID, Dr. Richard Radecki (Debi) of Albuquerque, NM, Sr. Mary Cabrini (Martha Radecki) of Phoenix, AZ and Bernie Radecki (Francie) of Spokane, WA. She was a grandmother to 22, a great-grandmother to 37, and a great-great grandmother to 1. She was very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. A rosary will be said at 7:30 in the evening on October 11, 2016 at Mount St. Michael’s Chapel. A Mass will be held at 10 am on October 12, 2016 at Mount St. Michael’s Church, Spokane, WA. Her nephews Fr. Francisco Radecki and Fr. Dominic Radecki will officiate. Internment will be in the Holy Rosary Cemetery, 8500 N. Saint Michael Rd., Spokane, WA.

Published in Spokesman-Review on Oct. 8, 2016