Cathy Lynn VanMiddlesworth, 72, Mandan, joined her heavenly family members on September 11, 2023. She chose to live each day fully despite her battle with pancreatic cancer. Per Cathy’s request a small service was held.
One of the few advantages of dying of cancer is that you have time to write your own obituary. The other advantages are you no longer have to bother with sunscreen or worry about weight, wrinkles or what to make for supper, etc. I would like to let you know that God must think that my work here is done. He gave me an assignment which I was unable to decline and from which I will not return. The good thing is that this assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus: a reunion with family and friends I have not seen in a long time. I was given the gift of life on earth, and now my time is up. Leaving is hard, but I was a lucky person who was blessed with a wonderful existence. For this I am grateful.
I received my diagnosis of advanced and aggressive pancreatic cancer in October 2022. I decided to be joyful about having had a full life rather than sad about having to die so soon. My faith helped me accept what I could not change. At any rate I am at peace, and on that note, I take my mortal leave. My new address is Heaven.
I was preceded in death by our sweet son Jason; my loving, generous and fun-loving father Clyde Hoovestol; my sweet niece Callie Haux; and my mother-in-law and father-in-law Ed and Clara VanMiddlesworth.
I am survived by my beloved husband and best friend John; my loving mother Coralyn Hoovestol; my four awesome sisters and brothers-in-law, Caryn and Darryl Schatz, Cindy and Mitch Kaelberer, Connie and Scott Beierle, Cherie and Jon Sanstead; many dear nieces and nephews; and the best friends anyone could ever dream of having. I am also grateful for the many friends I gained along the way from my nursing and real estate careers.
To my nieces and nephews, I saw something that said you never really know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turns someone’s entire life around. You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. Don’t wait to be kind. Don’t wait for someone else to be kind first. Don’t wait for better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind because you never know how much someone needs it. To my siblings and friends another thing I saw that seems so meaningful said life is full of surprises. When your day is wonderful, cherish it. When it becomes difficult, stay strong. There are no guarantees on how many days you have left so be grateful for each and every one of them.
To all my beloved friends and family, I want to thank you for being the best part of my life. Not goodbye but see you later.
In lieu of flowers, Cathy requests everybody to make it a point to PAY AN ACT OF KINDNESS FORWARD or make a donation to your favorite charity.