Catherine Craig's Obituary
A Life Remembered
Cathy Craig was born on April 13, 1971, at 6:47 p.m. at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Arriving nearly six weeks premature, she surprised everyone by not requiring an extended hospital stay. Tiny and fragile, she came home without eyelashes, eyebrows, or even fingernails—but she was a fighter from the very beginning.
As a young child, Cathy developed severe asthma and spent much of her early years in and out of the hospital. Despite those challenges, she refused to let them define her. As her health improved, she embraced life with enthusiasm, developing a love for dance and excelling in athletics. She participated in softball, basketball, track, and cheerleading, where her determination, competitive spirit, and love of teamwork became defining characteristics throughout her life.
During her senior year of high school, Cathy was involved in a devastating automobile accident that resulted in life-altering injuries and brought an end to her dream of dancing. Although the road to recovery was long and difficult, she demonstrated remarkable resilience by rebuilding her life and discovering a new passion.
That passion led her to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2009. She began her culinary career in Las Vegas before returning to Texas, where she joined Marriott International.
Cathy found her calling in hospitality, serving in a variety of culinary leadership roles throughout her career. As part of Marriott’s Operations Support Resources (OSR) team, she traveled throughout the country as an Executive Sous Chef, mentoring fellow chefs, solving operational challenges, and helping culinary teams achieve excellence. Those who worked alongside her consistently described her as a gifted chef, a trusted mentor, a loyal friend, and someone who made a lasting impact on the lives and careers of others. Friends and colleagues remembered her infectious smile, adventurous spirit, and the way she could light up a room. Her influence extended far beyond the kitchen, leaving a legacy of encouragement, leadership, and friendship that will not be forgotten.
Outside of work, Cathy lived life with enthusiasm and adventure. She loved football, basketball, NASCAR, rock music—especially Linkin Park—and even competed in women’s cross-country motocross racing until a knee injury brought that chapter to a close. Whatever she pursued, she did so wholeheartedly.
Cathy’s life was marked by resilience, determination, and an adventurous spirit. She will be remembered for her passion for cooking, her love of sports and music, her unwavering perseverance, and the many lives she touched through her work, friendships, and family.
Cathy is survived by her father, Roy Craig; her sister, Pam Lorentz and her husband, Rick; her uncle, Jim Craig; her nieces, Taylor Smith and her husband, Cameron, and Morgan Rogers; and her beloved grandnieces, Sawyer and Scottie Smith.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Craig.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation in memory of Cathy Craig. This cause held special meaning to Cathy because of the loss of her mother to glioblastoma. Through these gifts, we hope to honor both of their lives while supporting research that may one day spare other families from this devastating disease.
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