Catherine Mowad Gawey, 90, passed away October 19, 2022, peacefully at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The daughter of Syrian immigrants, she was born on January 27, 1932, in Oakdale, LA. Catherine was the 3rd of 10 children of Sadie Doumite and Joe Mowad. She attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and McNeese State University where she received a Bachelor of Education degree.

After college, she began her career as a first-grade teacher. She soon met the man of her dreams, Albert Gawey, who was 13 years her senior, and at the time attending dental school in New Orleans. They fell in love, were married in 1960 and moved to Tulsa where they began their family. They were blessed with 5 children and 13 grandchildren. Catherine was a selfless wife and mother whose true joy was her family. She was kind, supportive, gentle, and lots of fun! After her family, her hometown of Oakdale held a special place in her heart.

Traveling, attending the opera, playing bridge, trips to the spa and to the casino brought her so much happiness, especially when she was with her family and friends. She was legendary for her Syrian-Lebanese cooking, a skill and passion she has passed on to her family.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Albert Gawey, siblings Freeman Mowad, Frances Mowad Davis, Geraldine Mowad and her grandchild Mary Teresa Gawey. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Chuck and Lori Gawey, Brad and Liz Gawey, Matt and Teresa Gawey, Mark and Megan Gawey and Cathy and Jeff Adams and her 13 grandchildren: Chas, James and Olivia; Brent, Lauren and Ashley; Matthew and Sadie; Sam and Joe; Blake, Ben and Catie.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Jana, Jan, Kami, Laura and Leslee for the last 10 months of loving care. Also, we would like to thank the staff at the Yorktown for their loyal service to our mother.

Donations in honor of Catherine can be made to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma.
Viewing will be Monday, October 24th, 6:00 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., all at Church of St. Mary, 1347 E 49th Place, Tulsa.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151