Catherine Marie Mora Fournet, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Port Neches, Texas. Born on July 29, 1949, in Port Arthur, Texas, Catherine's life was one filled with love, kindness, and devotion to others.
Before graduating from Bishop Byrne High in 1967, Cathy became a majorette and drum major for the Colleen Drum and Bugle Corp. She was recognized throughout her high school years with multiple awards and achievements. While gaining her degree in Elementary Education at Lamar State College of Technology, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. In her professional journey, Catherine embarked on a brief but impactful stint as a teacher before venturing into entrepreneurship alongside a dear friend. Together, they owned the Giving Tree Gift Shop in Austin, where Catherine's warmth and generosity shone through in all her interactions.
Ready to begin her new life, Cathy married Pat Lange and they became the proud parents of Troy Lange, who she absolutely adored. They lived in Austin, Texas for several years, a place she dearly loved for its Texas hills and young community lifestyle. Cathy moved back to Port Arthur to help her mom manage the care of her dad. During those years, she ran into an old flame, Doug Fournet. She and Doug both loved gardening and Cathy canned everything she could that was grown.
Her mom’s recipe for fig preserves was a staple each year and it could have easily won a blue ribbon in any state fair. Her joy, like her mom, was in giving jars away to her friends who were shameless in begging her for some. The same went for her Gumbo which was the best on this side of the Mississippi. Those who knew Catherine will remember her fondly for her passion for cooking, especially when it came to preparing meals for those feeling unwell. Her culinary skills were matched only by her ability to bring comfort and solace to others through her delicious creations.
There was never a Dachshund puppy that Cathy didn’t love, and over the years provided a forever home for several pets including a stray kitty, Spanky, who showed up one day in the garden and became part of the family. Besides animals, gardening, and canning Catherine found joy in various hobbies and interests. She possessed a natural flair for decorating, finding solace and creativity in transforming spaces. Her green thumb was evident in her love for gardening and admiration of bluebonnets. Additionally, she held a deep affection for the hill country, the beach, and all things antique—a reflection of her timeless spirit. Cathy loved Yoga and you could always find her with a mat in her car and in a class somewhere. Another way she stayed active while retired was with the Colleen Alumni Group. If there was a parade, a reunion a festivity, you could count on her volunteering in some capacity. As far back as her friends and family can remember, Cathy was always a sweetheart of a person and even crowned Queen of the Sweetheart Ball in high school. Her nature was to be kind, generous, loving, and playful and lived the remainder of her life exemplifying those characteristics. For those of us who had the privilege of being called a friend, we cherish the time spent with her and the many great memories we made together. She has forever touched our souls.
Catherine is survived by her loving husband of twenty-two years, Doug Fournet of Port Neches; her son, Troy Lange of Lago Vista; stepdaughter, Debbie Torngren of London; cherished grandchild, Kalem Torngren; as well as a multitude of extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Theda (Dumesneil) Mora and Jack Mora. Their legacy lives on through the love and light Catherine shared with all those around her.
In celebrating the life of Catherine Marie Mora Fournet, we find solace in knowing that her unwavering kindness and generosity will continue to inspire us all. May her spirit soar free as she watches over us from above.
Rest in peace, dear Catherine. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts that time shall never fade.