Lillian "Cathy" Catherine Gaule McManus' Obituary
Lillian Catherine Gaule McManus (Cathy) passed away peacefully Thursday, December 14th, 2023 with all three of her children at her side. Catherine was born April 25, 1929 to M. Joseph Gaule, Sr. (Joe) and Lillian (Roach) Gaule, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Catherine grew up as a child of the depression. She lived through World War II and lost a brother in the Korean War. She was one of four children in a family that had little money, yet she will tell you she had the happiest of childhoods. She was an athletic child and loved sports until the day she died. An avid football fan, she could talk sports with the best of them. Catherine was an intelligent young woman during a time when college was not a financial possibility. Instead, she took a job as a bookkeeper with Southern Bell and quickly worked her way up to supervisor, one of only a handful of females in management positions there. She was even transferred to work in Coral Gables for a time. Although her focus was on her career, Catherine could not say no to her soon to be husband, John Daniel McManus (Dan). They married and settled down to raise their three children. Dan’s job had them transferred from Jacksonville to Overland Park, Kansas to Berkeley Heights, New Jersey then back to Overland Park, Kansas before settling in Boca Raton, Florida. During that time, Catherine’s work was raising her kids. She was everyone’s room mother, drove or chaperoned all of the field trips, and baked for the PTA fund raisers. She served as a personal taxi driver for dance classes, cross country practices, and after school activities. She returned to an office job as an administrative assistant, when her youngest child was old enough to drive herself to school. When Catherine and Dan retired, they moved to Fort Myers, Florida where they enjoyed friends and travel. Dan passed unexpectedly at age 70, leaving Catherine to find her own path. She discovered she loved volunteering in Registration at Gulf Coast Hospital, which she did from the day the hospital opened until they sent the volunteers home during COVID. Catherine loved water aerobics, 3 days a week, and playing cards with friends, twice a week. Catherine loved her grandchildren, and every chance she got was the first one to travel to see them to watch their sports and activities. A lifelong Catholic, Catherine was a founding member of Saint John XXIII Catholic Church and could be found weekly in one of the front pews, for Saturday evening Mass, until recent months when her health precluded it. Catherine was a woman of prayer and every morning was spent with her prayer book and list of intentions in hand. Between all these activities, Catherine had many friends who were just as devoted to her as she was to them.
Catherine made her peaceful transition into the loving arms of her husband Dan, her parents, her siblings Joseph Gaule, Thomas Gaule, and Eleanor (with husband Robert) Register, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Catherine is survived by her son Patrick (Vicki) McManus of Geneva, Illinois; daughter Margie (Earl) Lanoue of Tampa, Florida; and daughter Maureen McManus of Boca Raton, Florida. Catherine was blessed with four loving grandchildren: Brian Lanoue (New York), Sean Lanoue (Florida), Kylie McManus (Illinois), and Fiona McManus (Indiana). She also leaves behind her beloved nieces (Janet Borneman, Mary Christians) and nephews (John Register, Douglas Register, and Mike Gaule) and their spouses and children. In addition, Catherine is survived by several cousins, some of whom remained very close to her throughout her life.
Catherine’s last few days were spent at Joanne’s House, of Hope Hospice, where the loving caregivers treated her as though she were their own loved one. This allowed Catherine’s children to focus solely on being present for their mom - playing her music, telling stories, and laughing while Catherine rested, seemingly taking it all in. Catherine’s passing was peaceful and beautiful, and her children would like to thank the caregivers at Joanne’s House for their part in making that happen. As mom’s physician, Dr Carolyn Langford said, “It was a beautiful love filled end to a beautiful love filled life.” The family would like to thank Dr. Langford and her staff for their devoted care and daily check-ins to see how “their friend” was doing. Catherine was blessed with other amazing physicians as well, including Dr. Samith Sandadi, who truly loved seeing Catherine each visit. Although Catherine struggled with some health issues towards the end, her motto throughout her life was “It is what it is.” She took each obstacle in stride, asking only “What do I need to do?” She was a living example of The Greatest Generation.
Due to the amazing care given her in her final days, the family is suggesting a donation to Hope Hospice in lieu of flowers.
Hope Hospice
Joanne’s House
9470 Healthpark Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Hopehcs.org
https://morehope.org/
Catherine’s family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with her final care as well as eventual interment beside Dan. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, January 20, 2023.
Visitation begins at 10:00 am
Funeral Mass begins at 10:30 am
St. John XXIII Catholic Church
13060 Palomino Ln
Fort Myers, FL 33912
What’s your fondest memory of Lillian "Cathy"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lillian "Cathy"?
Share a story where Lillian "Cathy"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lillian "Cathy" you’ll never forget.
How did Lillian "Cathy" make you smile?