This January 8, 2022, Mary Catherine Dockendorff took her final breath, surrounded by her loved ones. The sun rose and the world welcomed Catherine on July 8, 1950, a day the world became a little brighter. Catherine lived a full and warm life, filled with quiet wisdom and love. Her journey ended in the arms of Jesus. Though we rejoice that her journey is complete, we grieve her absence. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
She is survived by her love, Brad Sitton, sisters, Meg (Jack), Jill, and her brother, John (Shelia) and their children. Catherine’s biggest passion in life was music, singing in funerals, operas, classical church music, and directing and performing in choirs. Catherine sang at Saint Mary’s Basilica in Phoenix for about 15 years, sharing her love of the Lord. Her private voice studio and teaching at Phoenix College gained her many friends. A career spanning over 55 years, she spread joy and love to others through her God given gift.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, January 29, at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul or Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Debbie Satter
My heart hurts at the loss of my friend. So very relieved the pain is lifted during her transition.
Phyllis Denton
Memories
Though some bring a smile,
And others a tear—-
Embrace them all—-
They complete you.
Cathy and I were friends for over 40 years! We shared all of life’s joys and trials together. We had a heart connection that I cannot explain other than to say, “Thank you God for Your kindness and Your love! Thank You for placing one of Your precious jewels into my life!”
To all of her family and friends, I send my condolences, my love, and hugs. She was so special to so many people!
Posey Moore Nash
Cathy’s beautiful voice provided solace to many grieving families at funeral services over the years.
May you all find solace for your days.
Tom Jones
Cathy was such a sweet person, and she had a lovely voice. We were professional colleagues (voice teachers, NATS members), and we occasionally sang together, beginning decades ago. Condolences to her family and others closest to her.
Linda Sadick Furman
Sending hugs and love to Brad, Meg, John and Jill. Cathy was my dear friend since 5th grade at Clarendon School. We sang in Triple Trio together. Her voice was incredible, even as a young child! I remember many fun times at each others’ homes, baking cookies and singing. She sang at my wedding in 2014. It was wonderful to have kept in touch all these years. Cathy was truly a special, loving friend.
Fr. Patrick Gavin, O.Carm.
I remember Cathy singing at many liturgical celebrations during my years serving as a Carmelite Friar and parish priest at St. Agnes. She would fill the rafters of that immense space with her powerful voice. Jim.Bierschbach would be pumping out the notes on the Aeolian Skinner organ pipes. The two were in perfect syncopation. And the Glory of God was heard by all present. I used to like to tease her a bit because she was so formal but I could usually get her to smile if not laugh. May the choirs of angels speed you to paradise. Rest in Peace. Rev. Patrick Gavin. O.Carm., Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Fairfield CA
Linda Henley-Smith
Cathy was indeed a gentle spirit. In the 60 plus years I knew her, I never once heard her say an unkind or harsh word about anyone. I loved talking to her, singing with her, and just being with her. I am praying for peace and comfort for all who loved her. I also pray that the happy memories we all have of Cathy will soon replace the sadness we now feel.
Margaret Henning
Cathy was our choir director at OLPH Catholic Church in Scottsdale for several years. She was such a sweet person and really knew her music. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Julie Berkel
To Brad and Cathy’s Family,
My heartfelt condolences on Cathy’s passing. What a faith-filled, sweet, talented, joyful, and gentle soul she was! I feel very blessed to have had her as my choir director for three years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale.
May she rest in heavenly peace and enjoy her reward for a life well lived serving the Lord and His people.
Sharing in your sorrow,
Julie Berkel
Sandi Capobianco
In the short time I knew her, Catherine was my teacher, life and music coach, my mentor, my supporter, my friend. We laughed together. We cried together. We played together. Together, we were serious, happy and silly. She enriched my life in ways I never thought were possible. We shared our love of music and animals. We totally respected each other. The world is a much better place for having had Catherine be a part of it.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her and may the soul of the faithful departed, Catherine, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN
Frank Darmiento
Although I have not seen Cathy for decades, I still remember her beautiful smile and lovely voice. I was sorry to read of her passing.
Tom Russo
I am very sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. She sang at my and my ex-wife’s (Kathy Curran Russo) wedding in 1973. She had the voice of angel. She was also the Godmother to my youngest son, Randy. Condolences to her family and may she Rest In Peace. God bless.
Irene C. Simonetti
Catherine was one of the kindest, loving and caring friends I’ve ever known.
My sympathies to all those who will miss her. She’s singing for Our Lord now and will always be remembered. She’s now enjoying eternal Peace, Love, and Heavenly Blessings. She’ll always remain in our hearts!!!!
Shannon
Catherine was a true blessing to all who knew her!
She was such a wonderful friend…I will miss our visits, choir trips and singing together!
My condolences to Brad, and her family! Little Lily too!
Rest In Peace, Catherine! You are dearly missed!
Ruby Vineyard
Cathy was someone I knew from our music connection. I am an oboist and played for her in an opera and also knew her from Phoenix College. She had the most beautiful voice. But her personality was just as beautiful. I know you will al miss her so much. I am truly saddened by her passing.
Ruby Vineyard
Tom & Lois Clas
Dear, dear Catherine how we loved your gentle sweet spirit! We did not know you long, but you impacted us as we traveled the cancer journey together at clinic this past year! You were always positive even though you weren’t feeling well. You were at peace with God and His plan for you!
We miss you very much and are grieving that you are no longer with us, but we will meet you on the other side, and rejoice that you are in the presence of Jesus, with no more pain, and singing with the angels!
Idell Kesselman
Does anyone remember The Win’Jammers? Cathy was the sweet soprano who lit up every room with her smile. When I’m lying in bed at night, trying to stop my mind from racing, I hear her voice singing, “Sleep, baby, sleep. Close your eyes and go to sleep. Rest, now just you rest. Don’t you cry, now just you rest.” I always felt her goodness and love–and I feel it now. Thank you, Cathy.
Tim Smith
Catherine had the most welcoming smile and I was introduced to her by Brad her husband. She is surrounded by Angels now and being welcomed into her Heavenly home. I will miss the warmth she gave.
Greg Adams
I was so saddened to hear of Cathy’s death. We were high school classmates and chorus members for four years, but she was also my “leading lady” when we performed the musical “Carousel” together at Central United Methodist in the early 1970s. I introduced her to the then-Minister of Music, and upon hearing Cathy sing he proclaimed, “You’d make a perfect Julie!” and decided to produce the musical on the spot. She was the star of the show, and I was proud to share the stage with her. I last saw Cathy at our 50th HS reunion in 2018 and were able to catch up a little, but I never imagined she would be gone so soon. A wonderful person with an unforgettable voice, she will be missed by family, friends, colleagues — and by me. Rest in peace, Leading Lady.
Nancy and Tony Lazok and Family
On behalf of my family, please accept our humble condolences as we grieve the loss of our beloved Mary Catherine with you. I enjoyed the privilege of singing with her as a member of the Saint Mary’s Basilica Choir and enjoyed getting to know her through her work with my daughter, Candice, and other students at Phoenix College as a vocal instructor, coach, and mentor. I listen, over and over again, to several recordings of her performances with the choir and each brought me tears of joy and to the intense emptiness I experience inside as I pray and grieve this incredible loss. I remember the laughter, joy, and spontaneous energy Catherine brought to the choir and the Basilica community, no matter the day or how she felt. She knew just what to say and when and truly invested her heart and soul into every aspect of her life. I truly loved her as a friend and will forever miss her encouragement, her sparkling life among us, and her angelic voice. May her soul and all the souls of our faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Lupe Rivera
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Catherine was a beautiful person inside and out. She touched many lives and left a loving impact. She will be missed by many. May she sing with the angels forever.
Kim and Carmine Pascaretti
She was a joyful person who was always kind and friendly to us at church. Many times my husband would praise her singing voice and her presentation. Prayers for her and for all who loved her. She will be missed.
Allison McLeod
I had the immense privilege of working with Catherine for 8 years. Throughout my life, most instructors, etc. never really thought to look twice at me. Catherine did. Through music, she understood and appreciated my uniqueness in a way no one else did; not even my family. What we accomplished was magic and the light she bestowed upon me will shine ever bright. I will carry a part of her forever in my heart. Every time I sing, she will be remembered.