Catherine May (Cottel) Duus

Catherine passed peacefully at home of heart and lung failure after a long and beautiful life.

Catherine was born in Portland where she spent her formative years living with her parents, sister Eloise and brother Willis in their apartment in downtown Portland above their second generation drug store at a time when Portland was a mix of residences and family businesses.  She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended both Oregon State University where she joined the Sigma Kappa sorority, and Oregon College of Education in Monmouth for her teaching degree.

Catherine taught elementary school for a few years before resigning her position when she was pregnant with her first child, Karen.  For the next several years she focused on raising her daughters Karen and Kristen, and perfecting her golf and bridge games.  When she was in her 50’s and her daughters were adults, she returned to teaching and taught elementary school for the next 17 years, retiring from Schirle Elementary School as a fourth grade teacher.  Teaching was her passion and she inspired a generation of students and made several life-long friends during her career.  She transitioned smoothly into retirement spending more time with her daughters, grandchildren and friends, as well as on the golf course and at the bridge table. 

Catherine lived life to its fullest, adapting to life’s changes and challenges, relishing life to the end.

Catherine is survived by her sister Eloise Barsamian (Andy), her brother Dr. Willis Cottel, her daughters Karen Garmire (Fred) and Kristen Duus (Fariborz Pakseresht), and her grandchildren Jeff, Dan and Grace Garmire.

A crypt-side service will be held at Riverview Abbey in Portland on Friday, November 22nd at 2:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Susan B. Komen Foundation or the American Heart Association.

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