Catherine Dorothy Nolan-Trachy (nee McCann) passed away early Thanksgiving morning, 11/26/2015 at Courtyard Care Center in Signal Hill. She was 88 years old and twice widowed. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 27, 1926, 27 or 28 depending what she wanted you to know. Yes, humor had always been her forte. Her parents were George and Edna McCann. Dottie, as she was called then, married her childhood sweetheart, James Taylor Nolan in 1946. They grew up on the same street in Flatbush and remained married for thirty five years until his death in 1981. They were generous people who worked hard and achieved a happy, successful life in Connecticut with their three children. Mom became involved in volunteer work, eventually becoming the National Chairwoman for the March and Dimes. Mom loved the Dodgers, and told stories of going to Ebbets Field as a child to see them play. She loved to hear Vin Scully call the game and has followed him with the Dodgers throughout her life. In 1967 the family moved to Long Beach, CA, at which time she changed her name from Dottie to Cathi. Mom enjoyed bowling, cards, bingo, slot machines, Betty Boop, hats, her dog and her family. Not necessarily in that order. With the birth of her first grandchild she became Muzzy, a name she was affectionately called by many for the next three generations. Mom had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and was a great story teller. She was always the life of the party. In 1990, after finding love again, she married James Lee Trachy. They met on a blind date at a New Years Eve party. They enjoyed music, dancing & parties. She and Lee directed the 50/50 Social Club at Friendly Village which provided an abundance of entertainment, happiness and joy to many. I picture them in my mind together again gracefully slow dancing. Holidays and Halloween were mom's favorite times of the year and she went all out for each one. Mom's fondness for these special occasions has and will be continued by her loving family members. Catherine is survived by 3 Children: Jeannie (Jack) Morrell, James (Mary Jay) Nolan and Patricia Nolan. A son-in law, Nick Larizza. 4 Grandchildren: Tony (Sinara) Larizza, Joshua (Jenny) Nolan, Tina (Christopher) Parker and Chadd (Carey) Nolan. 9 Great Grandchildren: Nick Larizza, Katie (Sean) McLean, Nolan Larizza, Zachary Simon, Taylor Larizza, Parker Nolan, Jackson Nolan, Ella Nolan, and Joshua Dean Nolan, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren: Charlotte Renee and Paige Riley McLean. Graveside service will be held Friday, December 11, 2015, 12:30PM at Riverside National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in Costa Mesa, CA on what would have been her 89th birthday, December 27, 2015, details to follow. Memorial donations may be made to: Sanctuary Hospice http://www.sanctuaryhospiceca.com or the Alzheimer's association http://www.alz.org
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