Catherine Phearman

Mason City- Catherine Phearman, 83, of Mason City and formerly of Osage, died Wednesday (August 29, 2018) at her home in Mason City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday (September 1, 2018) at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., Mason City.

A visitation with public viewing will be held Friday (August 31, 2018) from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City.  The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm followed by a Scriptural Wake service.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday.

The daughter of Francis and Catherine “Edith” (Murray) Oldham, Catherine was born on December 19, 1934 in Charles City.  She was one of eleven children.  Catherine attended and graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Charles City before enrolling in the nursing program at Mercy.

On August 28, 1954 Catherine was united in marriage to Larry Phearman at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, together they would be blessed with six children and 64 years of marriage.

Catherine stayed at home with their children in their earlier years before accepting a position with Faith Lutheran Home in Osage, eventually working her way to the position of Director of Nursing.  In 1972 she graduated from NIACC as a Registered Nurse.  Throughout the years she worked in the Critical Care Unit in Osage, Good Shepherd Health Center, as the school nurse for the Nora Springs school district, and for Mercy Home Care. In later years she taught the Nurse’s Aide class at NIACC.

Family was everything to Catherine.  She loved watching her family grow with the addition of each grandchild and great grandchild. She loved gathering for holidays and family dinners at every available occasion.

In her free time Catherine enjoyed flowers and tending to her garden, making mints for any and all occasions, playing cards, sewing, working on her crafts, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.  She loved spending time with the ladies in her special “Birthday Club” and looked forward to their get togethers.  She was a devoted member of Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church and the St. Gregory Circle.

Those grateful in sharing in her life are her husband, Larry, Mason City; children,  Linda Read, Mason City, Laura Phearman, Iowa City, Lisa (David) Nieman, Clear Lake, Lynn (Lora) Phearman, Ankeny, Leanne (Mark) Bailey, Nora Springs, and Rick (Carrie) Jenkins, St. Paul, Minn.; grandchildren, Robert Read, Ken (Jessica) Read, Melissa (Jason) Ward, Ben (Kelly) Nieman, Kathryn (Kevin) Smalley, Joe Phearman, Maria Phearman, Jon Phearman, Andrew (Staci) Bailey, and Steven Bailey; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Imelda (Charles) Housch; sisters in law, Janet Oldham, Peg Oldham, and Darlene Oldham; many special nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jim Oldham, Francis “Joe” Oldham, John “Jack” Oldham, Alan Oldham, Sister Mary Ellen Oldham, Sister Francesca Oldham, Michael Oldham, Donald “Rick” Oldham, and Paul Oldham; and brother in law, Lee (Sharon) Phearman.

Thank you to the staff at Homestead Assisted Living for their compassion and care for Catherine.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE., Mason City, (641)423-2372.  ColonialChapels.com