Catherine Marie Dren

May 17, 1936 - November 23, 2020

Obituary For Catherine Marie Dren

Catherine Dren passed away peacefully on Monday, November 23, 2020 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Cathy was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania to the late Catherine (Thomas) and John Danjanic. After a three-year romance, she married Dr. Anthony Dren on August 5, 1961 and they enjoyed more than 59 years together. Cathy received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA where she performed extensively as a pianist and string-instrument musician, vocalist and featured dancer with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans.

Cathy’s teaching career spanned more than 40 years. She retired in 1998 after an exemplary, primary-grade teaching career in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Waukegan, Illinois and Raleigh, North Carolina She had a lifelong love of classical piano compositions and Eastern European folk music and dance routines and volunteered extensively as a folk dance instructor. She was active as church volunteer and music minister at a number of parishes within the communities where she lived and worked.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Danjanic. She is survived by Tony, her husband of nearly 60 years; her children, Christina (Kurt) Larkins , Michael (Carolyn), Mary Beth (David) Waggoner and Amy Kathleen; sisters Joanne Connelly and Carol (James) McCarl; seven grandchildren (Nicole, Charlton, David, Jack, Victoria, Anthony, Olivia); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Cathy’s life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 11, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Cathy had a lifelong appreciation of the full university performance scholarship provided her by the Duquesne University Tamburitzans and, with her husband, has created three tuition-endowed scholarships for Tamburitzans students at Duquesne University. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations be made in Cathy’s name to: The Tamburitzans, c/o PIFAI Endowed Scholarship Fund, 1430 Superior Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nc/raleigh/catherine-marie-dren-11799004 for the Dren family

Services

11 Dec

Mass

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Luke the Evangelist 12333 Bayleaf Church Rd Raleigh, NC Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

December 09, 2020

Cat & Charlie

Tony, we are sending our heartfelt sympathy and love to you and the rest of the family.
December 03, 2020

Kiesha

Tony I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Cathy was a sweetheart, our conversation I hold dear. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My heartfelt condolences .
December 03, 2020

Shelly

Tony and Dren Family I am so very sorry for your loss. I've only known Cathy for a short time but it didnt take long to appreciate the kind of woman she was. Cathy had stories to tell and I could listen for hours. She was always generous to me and had a gentle heart. I feel blessed even though it was for only a short time i will cherish my memories of you. May you rest in Peace.
November 30, 2020

Amy Dren

I cannot imagine a better mother, role model and friend. Our mother always taught us by example. Her kindness was known and felt by all and her presence will be greatly missed. She had the most caring heart and her love and memory will live on forever. We love and miss you, Mom. Our angel on earth is now our angel in heaven.