Catherine Marie Jose Odiaux Lawson passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at home.

Born on March 15, 1934, in Sains-Richaumont, France, Catherine was the daughter of Raphaelle Raymonde Suzanne Corduant Odiaux and Adolphe Gaetan Odiaux. She grew up in France and lived through the hardships of World War II, an experience that shaped her quiet strength and resilience.

In December 1954, Catherine married Jimmie Norman Lawson, an American serviceman stationed in Laon, France. At the time, she was working as a civil servant nearby. After their wedding in Paris, the couple journeyed to the United States by ship, where Catherine pursued her education and proudly became an American citizen.

Together, Catherine and Jimmie raised three children while living in various cities across the United States and in Germany during Jimmie’s service in the U.S. Air Force. Following their divorce, Catherine made homes in South Carolina and Mississippi before eventually settling in Colorado in 2011. There, she joined her oldest daughter, Patricia, and her grandchildren.

Catherine was known for her quiet grace, thoughtful wisdom, and deep devotion to her family. She had a sharp wit and a warm sense of humor that brought smiles to those around her. She enjoyed gardening, was an excellent seamstress, and had a lifelong love for cats. Proud of her French heritage, she delighted in pastries, breads, and cheeses that reminded her of home. Even into her 70s, Catherine remained active—exploring the beauty of Colorado, hiking in places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Telluride with curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, André Pelerin and Paule Odiaux; and her brother, Gaetan Odiaux. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Laster of Broomfield, CO; daughter Suzan McIntyre of Vidalia, LA; and son Steve Lawson of Rock Hill, SC. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Mindy Wells (Bill) and their daughters, Hadley and Maisie of Wheat Ridge, CO; Corey Laster of Broomfield, CO; Christopher McIntyre of Vidalia, LA; and Dillon McIntyre of Franklinton, LA. She is also survived by her sister Michelle Patteson of Camden, SC.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be announced at a later date. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.