Catherine Fritchie Franklin, 89, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away in her sleep at home on Saturday, November 12th, 2022.

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on Wednesday, August 30, 1933, and was preceded in death by her parents, Onnie Mae and Gus Fritchie; and her brother, Gus Fritchie, Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Thomas W. Franklin; and their three children; Vance Trieschmann, David Trieschmann and Sandra Franklin Van Valkenburg. She is also survived by four grandchildren; David, Jason, Eron and Nicole, and six great-grandchildren, all residing in the Pacific Northwest.

Catherine lived her early years in Slidell,  and was a graduate of Slidell High School and Newcomb College in New Orleans. She met her husband, Tom Franklin, in New Orleans and they married in 1965. Catherine and her husband moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1968, and in subsequent years moved to Spokane, Washington; Ravenswood, West Virginia; NW Wales in the United Kingdom; and back to Ravenswood before returning to Spokane, Washington in 1988, where their three children stayed when Tom retired in 1988. Catherine and Tom became snowbirds in 1998, dividing their time between Spokane and Slidell until 2021 when they settled permanently in Slidell.

Catherine was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family unconditionally, and supported them through all the celebrations and challenges of their lives. Wherever life took them, Catherine created a happy and loving home for her family, and always became an involved member of the local community.

Catherine was a faithful Christian who lived a kind life and blessed everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with her. She was a teacher in her early years, later becoming a full-time homemaker. In her free time, she loved reading, cooking, gardening and traveling and was very talented with her drawing, painting, sewing, and ceramics.

Funeral Services will be held at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 58516 Pearl Acres Rd, Slidell LA 70461, on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00am. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00am.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Slidell.

Memorial Gifts may be made to the Veterans Association of one's choice.