Cathline “Cathy” Dominguez, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm Thursday, July 25th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco
Rosary: 7pm Thursday, July 25th at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Mass of Christian Burial: 10am Friday, July 26th at St. Philip Catholic Church, 13095 Old China Spring Rd, China Spring
Interment: China Spring Cemetery
Cathy was born in China Spring, second of five children born to Tommy and Ernestine Dominguez. She was preceded in death by her parents; her older sister, Mary Ann Higgins and her baby brother, Roman. She is survived by her sister, Hope Dominguez-Reese of San Antonio, Texas; her brother, Joe Anthony Dominguez and wife, Winnie of San Antonio; niece, Christina Higgins-Ratcliff and her husband, Reagan; nephew, Tommy Higgins and his wife, Courtney; two great-nieces, Landrey Ratliff and Selah Higgins; and three great-nephews, Jacob Ratcliff, and Isaac and Asher Higgins.
Pallbearers will be: Reagan and Jacob Ratcliff, Tommy Higgins, Erv Donajkowski, Steve Veselka and Glen Moore.
Cathy was a trailblazing female even as she graduated from China Spring High School in 1969 in a class numbering fewer than 25 students. Following completion of a degree in Criminology at Baylor University, Cathy attended Tarlton State University, obtaining a master’s in education with an emphasis in Government in 1981.
Cathy lived a life of service and advocacy for others, best reflected in her career choices, her church work and her passion for politics. She was fiercely independent and always willing to help anyone in need, whether human or four-legged. She exemplified the strong women who emerged from the shadows in the 70’s.
During the early 70’s, while attending Baylor University, Cathy worked as secretary for Waco’s then Chief of Police, Larry Scott. During this time Cathy became a lifelong Democrat volunteering in her off-hours to stuff envelopes, block walk or do anything required to support in local, statewide and/or national campaigns. Highly valuing her right to vote, Cathy worked at her local polls on Election Day no matter where she lived, whether the election was for President or for dog catcher.
Master’s degree in hand, Cathy was hired as Placement Director at McLennan Community College, helping to jump-start the careers of many young people with her already keen networking abilities. Then came the opportunity of her lifetime. Cathy was offered the opportunity to work with U.S. Representative Marvin Leath, in Washington D.C. representing the citizens of his Waco congressional district.
While at Congressman Leath’s office she was a compassionate and powerful advocate for the constituents who reached out to Congressman Leath and rapidly grew her broad network of friends and contacts and earned her chops in the Washington D.C. environment. Each constituent she helped became a friend who she could call upon when the next person needed a problem solved.
Longing to move “home” to Texas, she accepted a position in the San Antonio local congressional office of Congressman Albert Bustamante, assisting his constituents in a District running from San Antonio to the Big Bend. She was then hired away to become Assistant to the Superintendent at Big Bend National Park. She was blessed to live within the park where she could view the stunning sunsets over the Chisos Mountains from her front porch. After ten years in the Park, she returned to China Spring and in October of 2001 she accepted a position at the Brazos River Authority where she has worked ever since as Regional Customer Relations and Business Manager.
In her spare time Cathy was the consummate animal lover: feeding strays, taking care of her own brood of cats and dogs, pet-sitting for friends and contributing to pet rescue charities. She insisted on right of animals to be loved and cared for with respect and compassion. Cathy was also an active and devoted member of St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in China Spring since its early days, watching it grow from a small gathering to a fully recognized church community always giving generously of her time, treasure and talent for the benefit of the church and her friends there.
We all feel that Cathy left us too soon and left too much fun unrealized. We will miss her always bright smile, her biting sense of humor, her infectious laugh and pure joy with which she approached life. We know that she is at peace and gave life her all. We are comforted in our knowledge that she will be re-united with all her family members, friends and pets who brought her joy in life, and most importantly with her Lord.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue at 6321 Airport Road, Waco, Texas 76708 or through their website at: https://fuzzyfriendsrescue.com/donate/ ; or to St. Phillip ’s Catholic Church at 13095 Old China Spring Highway, China Spring, TX 76633. Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
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Jesus please take care of our Cathy.
I am so very sorry to read about Cathy. She was such a sweet dear friend during my time @ Brazos River Authority.
Cathy was a great friend and had such a caring and giving spirit about her. She is going to be missed so much at work and around town helping the animals in need.
I remember the Dominguez sisters working at Waco PD in the 70s (Mary Ann, Cathy & Hope). All were such a joy with a caring and beautiful spirit. My prayers and condolences to the family. May memories of Cathy live on through all she did for others. Rest well in the arms of the Lord. 🙏❤️🙏
Will miss Cathy so very much. She was such a kind lady and always ready to help. Rest in Peace
Cathy was a close friend. She was so generous with everybody. She would have taken her shirt off her back and given it to you. Always wanting to help when you needed it. She told me that she didn’t have a stove because someone else needed more than her. For Holidays she would give all the little kids stuffed toys. She would take in any cat or dog that she saw out on the streets. I’d run into her at the the grocery store and she would have more food for her cats and dogs than for her. I loved the time we spent together these last twenty years. I have so many good memories to cherish. I’m going to miss you friend.
Cathy was a good friend during my 17 years with the Brazos River Authority. She helped me feel welcome when I first moved to Waco. I’ll miss her a lot. The world needs more good hearted people like her. Rest in peace, Cathy. ❤️
I always admired Cathy’s independent spirit and ability to network with such diverse groups of people. No one loved people, animals and Democrats more than Cathy. She will be missed and my heart hurts that she wasn’t able to vote this election; I will do that in her honor this year.
Hearing of this loss, so closely to another in the recent devastating loss in the beloved Dominguez family is very difficult to process, and for the family to bear. I have told Wayne and Gay, and we all send our prayers, love and sincere condolences for such a heavy burden to bear.
Cathy was loved by everyone who knew her, and she and I had a very close relationship and enjoyed a special friendship as we grew up and beyond that. When we got to see each other —it was as if no time had elapsed. We were still the same close friends who understood each other so well, whose families were so very close. She was indeed an extremely special person —and a sister, cousin, aunt, and friend who was left an indelible print on every life she touched, and she touched us all.
My heart and those of the other Yankies were touched by her, and go out to each of you in this time of grief. Nancy Yankie Sidarous
I had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Cathy through her years at Brazos River Authority on various water contracts and other types of business. We talked often on the phone, even after my retirement in a related field. Not all calls were business related. Many of them was just touching base to see how each of us were doing. I will miss those calls. REST IN PEACE, CATHY.
I am so sorry for the loss of Cathy was such a sweet person
There are not enough words to appreciate all that Cathy was or the sadness that so many are feeling. In the short time I knew her, I learned of her passions in so many areas. What a wonderful legacy she has left us. She will be sorely missed by all. I, personally, will miss my birthday twin (18 years apart). Prayers for Cathy’s family and all those who loved her!
We are so sorry for your loss of Cathy.
She was a dear friend and church member.
Always wanting to help. She will be missed by many. I have known the Dominguez family most all of my life. Rest in Peace.
I was a lucky person to call Cathy a friend from the 3rd grade and thru graduation at CSISD. Cathy had a heart of gold, a smile that brought the sunshine with her wherever she was and a fun and true “bestie” to all lucky enough to know her. Cathy will be missed greatly by all who knew her. I send my love and prayers to her family and ask our Father to keep you in His loving arms during this time of grief.
We are so sorry for your loss. Cathy was such a beautiful friend. May God wrap you in his arms during these difficult times.
I was a customer of Cathy’s at the BRA, one of many I’m sure. But to me, she was the BRA. There was never a phone call or email that did not go without a friendly return as she made you feel like you were the only customer that mattered. There were even times that I was in the building in Waco and she would seek me out to say hello. We will miss her warmth and professional demeanor.
I’m sorry for your loss she was a sweet lady I was married byo her cousin Domingo galvez he die on February 24 2008 all my blessings go out to the family rest in peace Cathy Dominguez all prayers go out the Dominguez family next sat John and Judy Dominguez will have their daughter memorial services at Lakeshore August 3rd at 2:00. So all my prayers goes out to the domingos family. God bless all of y’all and stay strong for each other. God bless
Meeting Joe in 1972, along with Tim Hoing, there will never be a greater 3 amigoes😁 we would go to Joe’s casa in China Spring, where his parents Tommy and EnErenstine and Sisters Cathy and Hope welcomed us with home made tortillas cheese, menudo and whatever was on the menu.
Joe, Hope and family, I love you guys and your family will always be in my prayers and have a special love in my heart. Tony Moore
Joe and Hope, and the rest of the family, this has been just
such a difficult month for the Dominguez’s and the Flores
Families.
Brandy, Cathy, and Lupe, rest in peace. I love you. My world
Was so much better being related to you and having known you. All of you were younger than me.
I never met Ms Dominguez but her loss has affected me greatly. She seemed like a beautiful, caring soul. I wish I had known her in life. I hope she rests easy and knows that her dogs are being loved.