CATHERINE MARY AIRAN's Obituary
Catherine Mary Airan
a.k.a. Angeli Laurie Airan
September 17, 1972 – May 1, 2019
Catherine Mary Airan was born on September 17, 1972 in Raleigh, North Carolina to a family who loved her more than words. She was a fearless, witty, brilliant, gorgeous, magnetic, artistic, maternal, creative, kooky, protective, loyal, challenging, determined, and persistent spirit. Catherine grew up always thinking of others, smiling and making funny faces to share her joy with those around her. Her eyes would glow with mischievous energy and she always saw the good in others. In her school years, she was a precocious academic and was always surrounded by friends. A leader to many, she cared deeply about and contributed to the community she lived in.
Catherine attended Coral Gables Senior High School where she proudly danced as a Gablette, was President of National Honors Society, was Chief Justice of the Honor Court, wrote for the school newspaper, and was extremely intelligent, graduating in the top of her class. In 1990, Catherine earned the prestigious Miami Herald Silver Knight Award for her work in Journalism. Catherine was elected by her peers, to be Governor of Girls State in Florida which was a testament to her strength, fierceness and ability to work with and inspire others. She then attended Georgetown University where she was quickly elected President of her freshman class committee and was on the Editorial Staff of “The Hoyas” newspaper. Catherine also participated in Model United Nations. While in college, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. She graduated with a degree in Economics from the School of Foreign Services. Catherine then began her Masters in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English Literature at Georgetown University and earned her degree at the University of Miami.
From her childhood, Catherine was well-versed in the spiritual philosophy of Hinduism. As an adult, she began to read the Bible and chose to be confirmed as a Catholic. She was fervent and steadfast in her belief in Jesus and regularly attended services. She continued to also participate in Hindu worship with her family and celebrate traditional cultural holidays and moments. Catherine was courageous and strong because of her discipline and commitment to her faith.
Catherine loved to share her creativity with the world through writing – both prose and poetry – and painting. One of the many ways she expressed her spirituality, unwavering faith in God, and love was through selecting inspiring quotes for all to see every morning on a board. Catherine wrote in her journal often about her love for God and the meaning of life. She also wrote an unpublished book “My Journey to Christianity.”
As many know, Catherine struggled with mental illness and more recently, with self medication/addiction. Over the last few years, she was finally living a happy and peaceful life with her parents. This time together was a gift, where the three of them created beautiful memories together in each other’s company. Every Saturday, she enjoyed a grocery shopping date with her father in which they had an amazing time outlining ideas together for her daily writings. Up at early hours every day, she enjoyed nature and taking care of her favorite pets. Catherine found a new level of companionship with her parents and achieved true happiness in the final years of her life.
While we are so sad that our beloved Catherine has left us, we understand that God had a greater plan for bringing her back to Him. She now knows only love, peace and happiness.
What’s your fondest memory of CATHERINE?
What’s a lesson you learned from CATHERINE?
Share a story where CATHERINE's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with CATHERINE you’ll never forget.
How did CATHERINE make you smile?
