In Loving Memory of Catherine Ingwalson
To view the Mass of Christian Burial, please go to: https://youtu.be/zXphPuc1q3g
Catherine (Kay) Ingwalson, 91, of Grand Forks, ND was called home to the Lord on Saturday, April 15, 2023 with loving support by her daughter, Gail, and dear friends, Susan and Amy, close by. For the past 10 years, she resided at Woodside Village in the Prairieview neighborhood where she was surrounded by many loving and incredible caregivers.
Catherine Ingwalson was born December 5, 1931 in Grand Forks to Howard and Monica Jackson. She attended St. Michael Elementary School and graduated from the Academy of St. James in 1950. She worked several jobs during and shortly after high school to help support her family. In 1952, she attended flight school and became a flight attendant for Continental Airlines in Denver. In the fall of 1953, she met a handsome farmer at a dance in Grand Forks. After the harvest of 1954, Sterling followed Kay to Denver to propose. They were married on June 1, 1955 and resided on “The Farm” near Buxton. In July of 1958, Gail Catherine was born which changed their lives forever. Kay and Sterling took many family trips whether it be to visit relatives or go camping with friends. Kay either chauffeured or chaperoned many of Gail’s adventures throughout her school years. She was well-known for her great meals and delicious brownies. She was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Reynolds, Central Valley PTO, the Homemaker’s Club, Traill County 4-H, sang with the Sweet Adelines, and the Mesa Regal Choral group.
In 1977, Kay and Sterling started their adventure as “Snowbirds”. They continued to winter in Mesa, Arizona for 36 years. They stole the limelight every Friday night with their incredible dancing skills, went for long walks, played cards with friends, and visited shut-ins weekly. Kay attended yoga class and become the instructor after the first year. In 1982, Kay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Along with her dedication to yoga, she wrote and published three books of poetry, volunteered with the Arizona and North Dakota Parkinson’s Association to provide support and guidance to those who were dealing with Parkinson’s. Kay was a true inspiration to everyone she met. She fought Parkinson’s with her entire being and lived her life to the fullest. Her fortitude and positive attitude provided hope for those who had ominous diseases.
In 1993, Sterling and Kay retired from farming and in 2003, they moved into Grand Forks. They lived in their condo until September 2012 when they decided to move into assisted living at Valley 4000. Kay moved into Woodside Village in April of 2013.
Catherine is survived by her daughter, Gail Ingwalson (Amy Bushaw) Grand Forks; one sister, Marlene (Pat) Mackay, Camano Island, WA; two brothers, Dick (Nancy) Jackson, Tualatin, OR; Jimmy (Diane) Jackson, Everett, WA; sisters-in-law Toots (Eddy) Jackson, Fort Myers, FL, Sylvia (Bill) Jackson, Louisburg, NC; and numerous nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her husband (Sterling), parents, her sister (Mary Ann Aker), and her brothers (Eddy, Bill, “Red”).
The prayer service: Will be Friday, April 21 at 7:00 at Norman Funeral Home. There will be a visitation from 6:00-7:00 prior to the prayer service.
Mass of the Christian Burial and Celebration of Life: Will be Saturday, April 22 at 2:00 at Valley Senior Living (Valley 4000). There will be a visitation one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the American Parkinson Association.
A special thank you to the caregivers on the Prairieview neighborhood at Valley 4000 for the compassion, care, and love they showed to my mother.