Catherine Lucile Trowbridge

Catherine Lucile Trowbridge (Waid) of Carver, MN (formerly of Maple Plain) passed away peacefully November 19, 2024 at the age of 82. She was born on August 31, 1942 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She moved to Minneapolis with her family when she was very young, then to Maple Plain a few years later.

Cathie loved to swim and spent countless hours in or near Lake Independence, or any body of water she could find. She was an excellent water skier!!

After graduating from Orono High School in 1960, she attended one year of college at St. Cloud State University where she hoped to get a degree in Physical Education. Plans changed and she left SCSU, later enrolling at a business school in Milwaukee. After completing her program, she started working at Van Dale, a farm equipment manufacturer in Long Lake, MN.

Cathie married John Trowbridge on May 6, 1967. They had known each other since the 2nd grade but never dated in high school. She said it was his hot car that caught her eye that led to their first date! She worked various part time jobs while raising their two kids so she could be around when they arrived home from school and made sure they got to any lessons, practices, activities or appointments.

Cathie was an avid bowler. She started bowling as a teenager and joined a league, never looking back. Her bowling buddies were some of her best friends and together they created countless memories, many of which traced back to league practice and tournaments. They sure had fun, no doubt about it. She also loved to help others improve their bowling. Cathie retired from bowling at the young age of 79.

After John retired, the couple moved to Custer, South Dakota where they spent 12 years in the Black Hills enjoying the beauty of the landscape. There were many trips taken by her children, grandchildren, friends and family out to Custer to enjoy their slice of heaven.

In 2014, Cathie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and by 2015 it was time for them to return to Minnesota. Cathie and John moved to Chaska to be closer to family. Cathie was cancer free in 2018 then diagnosed with dementia in 2019. In June of 2023, they moved again, this time into Carver Ridge Senior Living to receive the care they needed for Cathie’s progressing dementia and John’s health issues.

Cathie is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Margaret Waid; her husband, John Trowbridge. She is survived by her brother, Roger Waid (Tonia); children, James (Cindy), Andrea (Greg); grandchildren, Madeline, Ethan, Andrew; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family would like to thank Carver Ridge Senior Living for the incredible care and love they showed Cathie and Lifespark Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Cathie in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Maple Plain on December 6, 2024 at 1pm. Interment of ashes at Lewis Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.