Cathal Henrie

The littlest big sister, Cathal Henrie, left this earth in the early morning hours of March 4, 2018.
She was born on November 7, 1950, to Weston Gibb and Norma Hafen Henrie, in Provo Utah. She was their firstborn, the embodiment of their hopes and dreams. She was followed within a year by a sister, Vichele, who would become her lifelong friend. Two brothers, Keven and Daron, came along before Cathal was six years old.
Cathal’s father accepted a teaching position at Logan High School, so the family relocated to Cache Valley in 1953.
When Cathal was nine years old, she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. The tumor had destroyed her pituitary gland, and the surgical techniques of the day, less refined than they would become, were able to remove part of the tumor, but the damage caused by the surgery itself led to lifelong challenges. Cathal was sent home with her family, presumably to die. After a few weeks of rest, under the watchful eye of her mother, Cathal awoke one day to the noise of her brothers playing. Her first words were, “Shut up! I’m trying to sleep!” Cathal was back.
The lack of a functioning pituitary gland meant that Cathal would not proceed through physical maturation, the result of which was her small stature. Her heart and mind, however, continued to mature, and Cathal became a force to be reckoned with.
A few years after Cathal’s surgery, her mother read of a study using human growth hormone gathered from the pituitary glands of cadavers, and, providentially, one of the physicians involved in the study was a childhood friend from Provo. Norma contacted her friend, who agreed to add Cathal to the study, and as a result, Cathal grew an additional 10 and ½ inches in height.
Due to post-surgical swelling, Cathal developed a seizure disorder, and the medications required to control the seizures caused severe osteoporosis. Her bones became increasingly more brittle, which led to the perfect storm. When Cathal seized, she fell, and when she fell, she broke. Eventually, Cathal was confined to a wheelchair for safety.
Cathal’s family was determined that she would have as normal a life as possible. With her father close by as a teacher, and her sister’s constant companionship, Cathal was able to continue with her education, and she graduated from Logan High School in 1969. She was later employed at Utah State University in the public information department. In her later years, when she was no longer able to sustain employment, she enjoyed spending her time doing family history work.
Cathal was endowed in the Logan LDS Temple in 1987, a joyful occasion for her and her family. Cathal had a deep and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, one that sustained her through her many trials. Her faith in forever families gave her the strength and courage to endure her losses. She clung to the knowledge that she was sealed to her mother and father, and would spend eternity with those she loved in life.
Cathal’s extended family eventually included a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and 11 nieces and nephews. Cathal’s presence amidst noisy family gatherings, her joyful laughter at their antics, and her lively contributions to their conversations, ensured that she was never ignored.
Cathal was also blessed with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, on both her father’s and mother’s sides, who enjoyed long talks and loving interactions at frequent family reunions and events. She was beloved by all who called her family.
Cathal was rarely seen without a camera in her hand, and she became well known for her photo-journaling skills as she recorded the joys and sorrows of life. Her books of photos remain as a testament to her love of family.
Cathal’s mother, Norma, was the best mother a girl could ask for. Norma possessed the unique ability to parent with affectionate firmness, and under her guidance and influence, Cathal thrived. Norma provided loving, compassionate care for Cathal 24 hours a day. In Cathal’s later decades, her seizures became more frequent, and her injuries, when she fell, more severe. Norma was by Cathal’s side night and day, lovingly and tenderly providing for her needs. Norma’s passing, in 2009, was particularly difficult for Cathal. The care she had rendered could not be replicated. That brand of love cannot be bought. Cathal’s family was unable to care for her at home, as her mother had done, and Cathal was placed in a convalescent center. Keeping Cathal safe was not easy, in her fragile state, and she suffered many serious fractures that further incapacitated her. By the end of her life, she had suffered more than most humans can bear. Her strength in the face of adversity set an example for her nieces and nephews that they will not soon forget.
Cathal is survived by her father, Weston Gibb Henrie; sister Vichele (William) Hamby; brothers Keven (Krista), and Daron (Verlyne); and her many nieces, and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Hafen Henrie, and her little brother, Gibb.
Services are planned for Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the LDS church at 1550 East 1900 North, North Logan. There will be a viewing at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral at 12:30 PM.
Besides her family, Cathal was cared for throughout her life by many dedicated people, too many to name. The staff at her various care centers were kind and attentive; we are very grateful to them for their concern for our sister. The doctors and nurses who provided for her many medical needs, primarily Dr. Michael Stones and his staff, and Dr. Taki May at Logan Regional Hospital, have earned our undying gratitude.
Cathal’s family will mourn her deeply, and miss her presence, but we know that her long awaited reunion with her beloved mother was joyous and happy. We are confidant that her mother greeted her with open, loving arms, grateful to welcome her daughter home. The suffering is at an end. We miss you, Cathy. Tell Grandma hi for us.