Catherine 'Midge' A. Gourde
May 15, 1929 - February 14, 2022
Catherine (Midge) A. Gourde was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 15, 1929 to Mary and Bernard Schulz. She met the man of her dreams, Richard Gourde (deceased 1990) in 1950 and they married September 1951. They were both strong Catholics and God rewarded them with eleven healthy children. They primarily raised their children in Utah and since 1962 Catherine resided in Bountiful, Utah, and remained in the family home until the end. She peacefully passed away on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2022, at God’s calling with family members at her side. She is survived by ten children: Richard Jr, Mary, Alice, Theresa, Loretta, Lorraine, Thomas, Paul, Jerome, and James; thirty-three grandchildren and over twenty-five great-grandchildren, and preceded in death by her daughter Regina, and grandchildren Caroline, Zachary, and Casey.
Catherine was raised in Michigan with her five brothers and three sisters and spent most of her childhood there, until she moved to California. She attended grade school and high school in Southern California and spent a year at St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. Not long after, she married Richard, and after a few years in California, he was transferred to Utah for his work. Despite the move, Catherine and Richard were able to maintain commitment to their faith and sacrificed to send their children to St. Olaf’s Catholic Elementary School and Judge Memorial High School.
During these years, Catherine developed many friendships and became involved in many volunteer activities, later giving a lot of time to the Blue Army, the Ladies of Charity, the Carmelite Nuns, and driving for Meals on Wheels. She was committed as a volunteer until late in her life, giving her time and effort for as long as she possibly could. Catherine was a very giving and charitable mother and person, touching many lives while she raised strong, independent children who have all made their own mark in life. She was also very firm and resilient, holding steadfast to her beliefs and convictions while always being loving of and caring for others, and had many deep friendships and admirers.
A celebration of her life will be on Thurday, February 24, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encourage to use the parking on the north side of the building. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:30 am at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 1793 South Orchard Drive, Bountiful. There will be a reception immediately following mass. She will be laid to rest the same day at 3:00 pm at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue & “T” Street, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make any desired contributions to the Catholic Foundation of Utah/Named Family Endowments at the following link: https://www.dioslc.org/ways-to-give/catholic-foundation/named-family-endowments/donate in the name of the Richard and Catherine Gourde Family Endowment.
Her memory will live on for many people and her influence and legacy will ripple for years through the lives of countless friends and family.
In Loving Memory
Having met Catherine only a few times, I was still struck by her friendliness, peace, and love for her family, and her childrens' friends. She was lovely. I am honored to have been able to meet her.
Aunty was one in a million. She was very much a Catholic and a spiritual person and always made me a better person after talking to her. My mother who died in 1995 absolutely loved her. I will miss her and will think of her often. Prayers and peace for the family!
My prayers and thoughts are with the Gourde family. I met her first in 1967 when Rick, Mary and I were freshmen in high school. She and her husband were powerful examples of leadership and love in their family and at St. Olaf Patish. She was always very kind and respectful to me. Her faith and good deeds will guide her to heaven. I am thankful for having known her. I am unable to be at the funeral. She will be mentioned in the prayers of St Vincent Parish. Fr. Norman
I feel like I've know. Mrs. Gourde all my life. I was in Tom's class at St. Olaf school. Mrs. Gourde was always kind and always smiling, I couldn't help, but smile back. She was a wonderful example of a devout Catholic, and I will miss seeing her at Mass. I play the organ at St. Olaf and won't forget the times she waited to thank me for the music. I'm so sorry for your loss, and pray your grief turns to peace knowing God has called your beautiful Mom home. Sincerely, Diane (Arbanas) Bryant
To Rick, Mary, and the the family my condolences on the passing of your mother. I never had the occasion to meet her, but throughout the years I have heard remarks and comments that surely convey what a wonderful woman and mother she was. I consider it my loss that I never knew her. My prayers to her and your family.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your dearest Mother. She has inspired me with her faith and love for Jesus in the Eucharist, her loving concern for her family and generous support of the parish and St. Olaf School. May she be God's Valentine and her husband's again and other family members who proceeded her to eternity. Fr.Andrzej
Just a brief note to let you know what a blessing Midge was to our entire family. We go back a few years and every one of them was a sheer joy. In celebration of her life - and what a beautiful, faith-filled life she lived - we send our love, hugs, and unadulterated commitment to Midge being part our family for an eternity. Her gifts will last a lifetime as we forever cherish the many gifts she shared with admirers near and far. Her Celebration of Life video was a beautiful, glowing tribute to a life well-lived. With much love always. George and Jane Starks
Sending prayers to all the family members. What an amazing human being and what a remarkable life. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time, and wishing you hope and healing when you are ready
In Loving Memory
