Catherine M. Bugnitz

September 6, 1923 - August 12, 2017

Catherine Margaret Linehan was born the second of four girls to Thomas and Catherine Linehan on September 6, 1923. She spent her happy childhood playing with her sisters in the neighborhood of the house where they lived on Second Street in North St. Louis City. A natural charmer, awards started early when, at the age of three, she won the title of Miss Grand Florissant. Academically, Catherine was a very bright and industrious student. She completed her grade school years at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, followed by four years at Central High School where she earned the Latin Award for best Latin student in her class. Her talent, though, was not limited to academics. In addition to her natural intelligence and sharp wit, she was an all-around great athlete, having played semi-pro softball as a teen. Her love of sports naturally extended to her love of Cardinal baseball, of which she was an avid fan, attending games in her early years at Sportsmen's Park. As a kid, she was one of very few female members of the Knothole Gang, a St. Louis Cardinals sponsored fan club for kids in school. Her enthusiasm for the Redbirds never waned, and in her later years she and her husband became the proud holders of season tickets. Throughout her life Catherine was a lover of music, particularly show tunes. She possessed a beautiful singing voice, and graced us all with lovely melodies until the end. Her favorite musician was Glen Miller. As a teen, she had a dream fulfilled when her uncle, Red McKenzie, also a professional musician, introduced her to Glen Miller backstage before a performance at the Fox Theater. Mr. Miller asked what her favorite song was, and she told him, "Little Brown Jug." When he performed the song that night, he turned and bowed to her as she watched him from the wings of the stage. It was the thrill of a lifetime, and the next day she was a hit at school. Following her graduation from Central High, Catherine worked as the executive secretary to the vice president of Brown Shoe Company. Her career at Brown Shoe continued for 10 years until she married her life's love, Julius Anthony Bugnitz, in November of 1951, whom she adored. The real work began after that, as she became the proud mother of eight children in the span of 12 years. Nine ready and willing mouths ushered in an era of baking perfection, as she honed an already admirable prowess in the kitchen. Her hard work and creativity were rewarded with, among other things, three stints as a finalist in the Pillsbury Bakeoff, taking her to Hawaii, California and Boston. Her qualifying recipes were the ever-popular and always delicious Ticky Tacky Tacos, Cheesy Herb Twist and Mexicorn Burger Bake. Additionally, her immediate and extended family, as well as many family friends, were the annual beneficiaries of a staggering array of superior Christmas cookies. The number of varieties baked was upwards of 45, and her record number of total cookies generated in one holiday season hovered around 3000. Catherine was a devoted and adoring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a strong and sweet aunt and a loyal, faithful friend. She was dearly loved and respected by her children's spouses and partners. She had a big heart and a generous spirit. A crossword puzzle had no chance against her, and she could go up against the best of Jeopardy contestants. She was funny, intelligent, creative, kind, tenacious, adventurous, loving and dependable. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of being part of her life. Services: Visitation Wednesday, August 16, 9:15am until time of service 10am at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Church, 1210 Paddock Drive, Florissant, MO 63033. In lieu of flowers, donations to Old St. Ferdinand Shrine in Florissant appreciated.