Catherine Rose Willard

   Catherine Rose Willard, 72, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House.  She was a long-time resident of the community.

   Cathy was born on December 1, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Vincent J. and Catherine (Docas) Briguglio.  She attended local grade school and graduated in 1968 from Notre Dame Catholic High School.  Cathy worked for the FBI in Chicago.

   Cathy married James Michael Willard on January 24, 1971, in Chicago.  After over forty-three years of marriage, he preceded her in death on July 19, 2014.

   Mike was a career Navy personnel, and he and Cathy were stationed in numerous places in the states and around the world.  After their retirement from the military, they moved to Manhattan where she worked thirty-seven years for Riley County.  First in Treasurer’s Office and then in the County Appraiser’s Office.  Cathy also worked in customer service at the mall and was a successful Tupperware representative.
Cathy was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center.  She loved to read and was an avid writer.  She enjoyed making Christmas stockings for her family and was known for her wonderful meals, especially her lasagna and spaghetti. Over the years Cathy had several pet dogs that she loved like family.

   Cathy is survived by her son, Michael Willard and his wife, Elaine, and her grandchildren, Macey Willard and Mason Willard, all of Manhattan.  She is also survived by her sister, Virginia Specchio (Frank) and sister-in-law, Amy Briguglio, both of Des Plaines, Illinois.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leonard Briguglio.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center in Manhattan.  Father Gale Hammerschmidt will be the Celebrant.  Burial will follow in Wamego City Cemetery.  Cathy will lie-in-state beginning at 3:00 pm, Monday, May 1, 2023, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  They suggest memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project or Good Shepherd Hospice House, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.