It is with sad but grateful hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Catherine Ann (Leinen) Bissoondial, 79, who died peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
Catherine was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She was born on November 19, 1946, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Margaret Hoerntlein and Ralph Bernard Leinen.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Art Bissoondial, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage; her parents, Margaret (1985) and Ralph (1986); her sister, Mary Ellen (2013); and her brother, Ralph (2022).
Catherine will be deeply missed by her children, Amy (Greg) Mason and Philip (Kim) Bissoondial; her sister, Patricia Rees; and her beloved grandchildren, Emily Mason (20), Anna Mason (17), Coleton Bissoondial (17), and Maddox Bissoondial (15), as well as her many nieces and nephews.
She was deeply loved by so many dear friends—lifelong friends, colleagues, neighbors, and members of the many communities she was blessed to be a part of. Catherine had a special gift for making friends wherever she went and for making everyone feel loved and welcomed.
Catherine graduated from Marion Catholic High School and entered the Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, Illinois, where she was known as Sister Mary Neva. During her time with the Sacred Heart Convent, she began teaching at St. Agnes Catholic School.
Cathy went on to become an exceptional grade school teacher in Normal, Illinois, dedicating more than 30 years to teaching and nurturing children. She was honored as the Illinois State Teacher of the Year in 1999. Mrs. B left a lasting impact on the countless children who came through her classroom, not only as a teacher, but as someone who believed in them and cared deeply about their lives.
After retiring from teaching, Cathy continued to serve her community by mentoring disadvantaged high school students and helping them achieve their educational goals.
She was involved in many organizations and ministries, including the Prairie Aviation Museum, Teacher of the Year Committee, and serving in many ministries.
Cathy lived her life guided by her deep and unwavering love for Jesus. Her faith was evident in the way she lived each day—in her kindness, compassion, generosity, and willingness to pray with and for others. She never missed an opportunity to reach out to someone who needed a friend, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement.
For those who knew her, Cathy was truly an angel who walked among us. She had a smile for everyone, a heart always ready to love, and a beautiful gift for making people feel that they mattered.
We will forever cherish the love, laughter, prayers, and countless memories she gave us. While our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Art, and resting in the loving arms of Jesus.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday October 17, 2026 at 12pm at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1000 E College Ave, Normal, IL 61761.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 17, 2026 from 1pm-4pm at Rob Dob’s Restaurant 801 N Hershey Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704.
Memorials can be made in Cathy’s memory to one of the following chartities: St Vincent de Paul at https://svdpbn.com/donate or to Hospice & Community Care Organization at https://www.hospicecommunitycare.org/give-back