Cathy (Washburn) Chester lived a full and joyous life and left for her next adventure on December 26, 2009.
Cathy Lynn McFadden was born in Jacksonville, FL on September 11, 1956 to Myrtle Mae and Edward Lowell McFadden. She had a full and adventurous youth including such things as working in a carnival, attending multi-day concerts and meeting people from all different walks of life. She had several close relationships in her early 20s and 30s but none so close as with her husband and soul mate of 16 years, Allen Chester. After 13 years, Cathy and Allen married as a family surprise on December 26th, 2006 in Yorktown, VA. The marriage was part of a winter motorcycle ride to the Colonial Parkway.
She gave birth to her oldest child, Kristin White, in her late 20s and to Sonny (George Fred) Washburn and Harmony Washburn in her 30s. She was very proud of having raised and directed three accomplished and independent children, each with whom she maintained a very close relationship. She also welcomed her son-in-law, Edward Hohlt (husband to Kristin), and stepdaughter, Sarah Chester, as part of her loving and spiritual family. Cathy maintained a strong relationship with her mother Myrtle through frequent travel, regular long talks and many movie sleepovers. Her younger brother Ricky Stout has maintained a special spot in her life and, with his fiancée Lisa, has been a strong source of support, love and a beach house getaway.
Cathy was a visionary that looked for maximum opportunities in all her ideas, thoughts and pursuits. As an active entrepreneur, she began several companies to chase her goals and make the world a better place. Her most longstanding business venture was Harmony Unlimited, developed to bring communities and businesses together for a better world through marketing and publishing. Her business partner, Jeanne Coates, will miss her dearly, especially on each and every April 15thas Cathy was the company accountant as well. In addition, she began Inspired by Design, a company to manage and sell the beautiful and cherished art work by her husband, Allen Chester.
Due to her numerous and ever-expanding passions, Cathy inspired many through her travels, hobbies, and misadventures that were often left “open for future growth.” She was spiritual and encouraged social awareness in all that she did. She had a profound impact on all who met her. She leaves behind a multitude of friends who will honor her always.
At her personal request, a celebration of Cathy’s life will be held at Hoss’ Deli in Newport News at 2 pm on December 30, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to the Unity Fellowship Church (peninsulaunity.org) or to the Hospital Hospitality House in Richmond, VA through their website (www.hhhrichmond.org).
On Being a Champion
A champion is a winner,
A hero…
Someone who never gives up
Even when the going gets rough.
A champion is a member of
A winning team…
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit…
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life…
Especially when the game is called life.
There can be a champion in each of us,
If we live as a winner,
If we live as a member of the team,
If we live with a hopeful spirit,
For life
~ © Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek (From the book "Journey Through Heartsongs")
“May those who seek, find. May those who find, be transformed. May those transformed, enlighten others."
-Cathy & Allen Chester
