Cathy Marie Schweizer of Carbondale, formerly of Pinckneyville

Cathy Marie Schweizer, age 65, of Carbondale and formerly of Pinckneyville, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021.

Cathy was born on Feb. 13, 1956 in Richmond, Indiana, the daughter of Pearl (Holland) and Lewis T. "Tracy" Schweizer Sr. A graduate of Pinckneyville High School, Cathy was known for her athleticism, especially in softball, which also carried over to her college career at Southern Illinois University.

While at SIU, she earned a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. She recently retired from the Center for Senior Renewal at Murphysboro where she had worked as a licensed clinical counselor.

Cathy was an avid reader. She enjoyed her flower garden but always looked forward with excitement to her weekends of arrowhead hunting in the fields with friends. She loved her cats, but more than anything she loved her family and any time spent with them, making memories to cherish.

With a sunny disposition, Cathy had a sense of humor that will forever be missed. She could always see the positive and make light of even the darkest situations. She will be missed dearly by all those that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her life partner and best friend, Tammy Pesek of Carbondale; Tammy's daughters, who Cathy considered as her own, Heather Pesek of Carbondale, Jennifer Pesek of Carterville and Stephanie Purvis of Paducah, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Andrew, Addison, Jenna and Jaxson Pesek; two great-grandchildren, Kinley Cobb and Alina Pesek; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lewis T. (Louise) Schweizer Jr. of Pinckneyville and Darrell G. (Shirley) Schweizer of Coulterville; one sister and brother-in-law, Polly M. (David) Zeigler of O'Fallon; a special friend who was raised as a sister, Nancy Kuhnert of Carmi; Cathy's second mother, Ann Kuhnert of Oakdale; several nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents and great-granddaughter, Kylah Cobb.

A memorial service to celebrate Cathy's life will be held at a later date. Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is assisting the family with final arrangements; visit www.maxtonrosado.com for the latest on service details, to sign the online guest registry or for more information.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Residential Hospice. Donations will be accepted by mail at Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home, 11 S. Hickory St., Du Quoin, IL 62832.