Catherine "Cathy" Mathews

Catherine “Cathy” Mary Rose Mathews of Faribault, MN, passed away at the age of 67, on September 29, 2026, following a long journey with cancer.

Cathy was born on May 16, 1959, to James and Joan Mathews in Owatonna, MN. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1977. With an interest in exploring new places, she went on to live in California, Wisconsin, Florida, and Washington, always finding her way back to Minnesota, the state she loved most. In her working life, she pursued work in office administration and sales, drawn to roles where she could connect with and support the people around her. Throughout her life, she sought to understand its deeper meaning, dreamed of what could be, and found laughter in everyday moments – making jokes up until her final days, her infectious smile and laugh filling the room. She loved walks on the path near her home, fishing and time spent on water, watching Vikings games, cooking with herbs from her garden, giving to others in whatever way she could, and time spent with those she held most dear. It was in these simple, everyday moments that Cathy found the richness and joy life had to offer.

Cathy is survived by her children, Brynn (Eric) Borer of Duluth, MN, and Sam (Myra) Weikleenget of Medford, MN; by her husband, Barney Smith; by her siblings, John (Paula) Mathews of Faribault, and Cindy (Ron) Grass of Eden Prairie, MN; by her mother, Joan Mathews of Faribault; and by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Mathews.

In lieu of a ceremony, Cathy’s family invites those who knew her to instead spend that time recalling a memory or experience you shared with her and celebrating it in whatever way feels right to you. It is in both the quiet, unexpected moments and the intentional ones that Cathy will go on living in our hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Brighton Hospice for the exceptional care they provided for Cathy.