Mary Catherine (Abney) Cotton, 61, of Crawfordsville, passed away suddenly Wednesday, April 2.

She was born February 8, 1964, in Crawfordsville to David & Mary Ann (McGreevey) Abney.  Catherine graduated from Crawfordsville High School in the class of 1982.  While growing up Catherine worked with her father and siblings at Abney's Meat Market.  She had a very high standard when making chicken salad as a result and would keep a butcher honest on a cut of meat.  She had special memories of growing up on Woodlawn Place with her neighborhood friends.

Catherine retired after 35 years from Nucor Steel.  During her career, she worked as Melt Shop Clerk, Inside Sales Representative, and IT Coordinator with a brief stint as Corporate Web Site Coordinator.  While at Nucor, Catherine was very involved with the Nucor Charity Group.  She enjoyed helping and organizing the various golf scrambles, raffles, and bowling tournaments to raise money for Riley Children's Hospital, Make a Wish Foundation, and American Cancer Society.

On July 22, 2006, she married Jeremy Cotton in Fort Benton, Montana, he survives.  She is survived by her daughter Kristen (Jason) Haltom, grandson Calvin McCandless, brother Joe (Lisa) Abney, sisters Lee Anna (Greg) Combs, Emily (Bruce) Lane, 7 nieces and nephews and in-laws Gary and Sandee Cotton.  Catherine enjoyed visiting the nieces and nephews and their children.

Catherine loved to travel.  Going on girl's trips with her friends, visiting her in-laws in Montana, and her brother, Joe, and sister-in-law Lisa in whichever city they were in at the time.  Her best trips were with her husband and soul mate, Jeremy.  They went on many adventures both local and abroad.  Her favorite trips were to Africa with her husband and in-laws and a few years later just with her husband.  She even ventured to Alaska several times to hike and fish, violating her rule to never vacation somewhere cold and rainy.  Over the years, she became an avid sportswoman.

Catherine enjoyed working in her yard and gardens growing flowers and vegetables.  She loved to cook with Jeremy and experiment with new recipe ideas.

Catherine was very proud of her daughter, Kristen, and the woman that she has become.  Raising her and watching Kristen become a mother herself was a very special joy.

But with all of that, Catherine's favorite job was being a Nana to Calvin.  Her grandson, Calvin, was the light of her life.  They enjoyed walking dogs at the shelter, and playing with the family dog, Zena.  She loved watching Calvin play various sports through each season.  Days with Calvin could find them playing a game, going to the park, or fishing.  Especially, fishing.  Spending time with Calvin was the best no matter what they did.

Catherine had a heart of gold.  Her smile, and positive attitude were the first thing you were greeted with and she never met a stranger.  She wanted life to be fun and made everyone feel the same with lots of love and laughter.  She was always the first to help in any way that she could.  She will be truly missed.

Donations in her name should be directed to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County.  A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.