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Catherine Viola Sousa
1953 - 2025
BORN
1953
DIED
2025
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Catherine Sousa Obituary
Catherine Viola
(Hands) Sousa
January 15, 1953
September 9, 2025
Catherine Viola (Hands) Sousa, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. An only child, Catherine was born on January 15, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Bernard and Dorothy Hands. She spent her summers as a river lifeguard and with her best and life-long friend Jean Ann Cronin (deceased).
While attending Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, New York, she met and married Mark Sousa, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Over their long marriage, they travelled the world together before ultimately settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mark and Catherine raised a son and a daughter together, but Catherine's love for children also led her to her role as an elementary school paraprofessional in Harrison District No. 2. She was always a dog person and found a place in her heart and home for many – from rescue dogs to service dogs – throughout her life. She was extremely proud of, and loved to spend time with, her two children and her three grandsons. Mark and Catherine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 29, 2023 at their favorite restaurant and home away from home, Edelweiss German Restaurant.
Catherine is survived by her husband Maj. Mark W. Sousa (Ret.), her son Mark T. Sousa, and her daughter Jessica C. Stieber as well as her husband Travis and their three sons Tate, Burke, and Daschel.
A service to honor Catherine will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Memories, 829 S. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. All are welcome.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Catherine Sousa
Funeral services provided by:
Chapel of Memories - Colorado Springs829 South Hancock, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Sousa
4 Entries
Anne Seyfried Rich
September 30, 2025
My deepest sympathy to you all. I was a classmate of Cathy at Ladycliff, she was such a lovely person. May she rest in peace.
Diane Grohmann
September 29, 2025
To Mark and Family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Cathy and I shared many good times together at Ladycliff. Classmate of Cathy´s at Ladycliff Class of `74
Johanna Dezio Minucci
September 29, 2025
Dear Mark and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult period. I was a classmate and friend of Cathy´s at Ladycliff. She was a special person and our group spent my happy times together.
Knowing that Cathy is in heaven I hope brings you some comfort.
Laurie & Jim Thompson
September 28, 2025
Dear Mark, Our hearts ache for you Mark, Jessica and the entire family. As a Ladycliff College classmate, I will always remember the happy memories, laughter and good times we shared with Cathy. I hope you can take some comfort knowing she is at peace at last in the arms of Our Lord after her long, hard battle. Sending love, prayers and our heartfelt condolences.
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