Mary Catherine Altendorf

Mary Catherine, 89, died peacefully at Spanish Cove Retirement Community on October 23, 2021. She was born on December 12, 1931, in Amarillo, Texas to Andrew and Eleanor McNamara. In her formative years, she lived on an oil lease 10 miles south of Pampa, Texas. She moved into Pampa at the age of 8 where she attended Holy Souls Catholic School through 8th grade. Catherine attended Pampa High School where she was a member and officer of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Latin club, Office Assistant, and Lion's Sweetheart. After graduating in 1949, she enrolled in a Dallas Nursing School. On a winter blizzard night, she fell in love with Harold Altendorf. Her career direction changed. She married December 26, 1949, the love of her life. During her first 17 years of marriage, she was blessed with 9 children. Catherine started her married life in Pampa, Texas. They were transferred to Levelland, TX for a short 6 months before moving to Lubbock TX. After 11 years, a new job led them to Durango, Colorado and in 1965, they settled in Oklahoma City.Catherine was a loving wife. She was dedicated, supportive, funny, and an extraordinary mother. Catherine enjoyed every minute of life. Her cheerful nature created a wonderful atmosphere that nurtured the lives of all her children. Catherine was a scout leader and ever-present cheerleader at her childrens' school sports events. Later she became OSU's number One fan where not only all nine of her children graduated but 11 of her grandchildren too. She had 'orange blood' and was a true Cowgirl. She found time to be a hospital volunteer and most importantly to be the Social Director for frequent Padre Island excursions with her friends. Post-children, she loved working at James Avery Jewelers. She was a devout Christian of great faith, a regular attendee at Mass, and a lifetime member of the Altar Society. Throughout her life, and right to the end, her wise words to family were succinct - 'there is nothing more important in this life than to 'save your soul''.Catherine leaves behind 9 children, Dennis and wife Karen, Edmond; Kathleen, Stillwater; Kent and wife Carma, Edmond; Andrew and wife Joanie, Tulsa; Tim and wife Laurel, OKC; Cecilia and husband John Allcott, Yorkshire, England; Luke and wife Mary, College Station, TX; Christine and husband Larry Johnson, Alexandria, VA; Carrie Benton, Tulsa, OK; and 20 grandchildren, Andrea Scoggins; Amy Cochran (Sean); John Nickel; James Altendorf (Renee); Laura Titsworth (Chris); Beth Chamberlain (Adam); Emily Neurohr (Ryan); Sarah Ostermann (Seth); Patrick Altendorf (Katelyn); Megan Altendorf; Joe Allcott (Katie); Alexandra Scott (Ned); Genevieve Allcott; Matthew , Amelia, Jacob and Madeline Altendorf; Noah, Will and Luke Benton; and 22 great grandchildren, Hayden, Ryder, Briggs and Stratton Scoggins; Nathan, Caleb and Aubrey Altendorf; Parker and Paige Titsworth; Emma and Norah Chamberlain; Catharine, Charles, Callie and Caleb Neurohr; Samuel, Grace and John Ostermann; Ann, Louise and Mary Altendorf; Sasha Scott.Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Harold of 52 year; her brother, Bernard McNamara; and sister, Ann DiCosimo. She is survived by Joe McNamara (Nancy) of DeBary, Florida; and James McNamara (Carolyn) of Midland, TX.Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Friday, October 29th at 11am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1901 NW 18th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. A Wake/Rosary Service will be held on Thursday, October 28th at Smith and Kernke (1401 NW 23rd St.) at 6 p.m. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Father Schettler Rosary School Endowment: 1901 NW 18th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.