Catherine O. Gregg

Catherine O. Gregg

July 30, 1940 – May 8, 2026

Catherine O’Connor Gregg, 85, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family.  

Katy was born on July 30, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Catherine (Lally) O’Connor. The eldest of ten children, she graduated in 1958 as a member of Saint Joseph High School’s first four-year graduating class in South Bend, where she served as senior class president. 

In 1962, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Wayne State University in 1973. During her undergraduate years, she entered religious life with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, where she spent the next two decades living out a vocation of faith and service. 

A highly respected nurse and healthcare administrator for more than forty years, she spent her professional life at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she received the prestigious Seton Award for nursing excellence. There, she met her husband, John B. Gregg. They were married on February 19, 1983. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and their greatest joy: their son, J.J. Katy treasured the time they spent together as a family at their home in Cascade, Colorado, and at their cabin in Breckenridge, where many of their happiest memories were made. 

Nothing brought Katy more happiness than her family and the dear friendships she nurtured so intentionally. As the eldest of ten children, she was perpetually looked to for guidance and perspective. Her warmth, quick wit, and joyful sense of humor made people feel instantly at ease, and she gave all who knew her a profound sense of belonging. After a lifetime of distinguished professional titles, the title she loved most was “Grandma Katy.” She shared a special, loving bond with her grandchildren, planning her days around time with them. She often reminded them, “I think of you every minute of every day when we are apart.” 

Katy’s life was marked by a deep sense of responsibility for the people around her. Her faith and generosity were reflected in the countless, extraordinary ways she cared for others: with humility, compassion, and a steadfast willingness to serve wherever she was needed. She especially enjoyed her time volunteering later in life with the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center and the Christ Child Society of South Bend, where she was actively involved for over a decade. An avid reader and longtime member of two flourishing book clubs, Katy had a remarkable gift for building meaningful friendships wherever life took her, welcoming others with genuine kindness. 

Katy is survived by her husband, John; her son, J.J. (Amanda) Gregg; two grandchildren; and nine siblings: Susan Niemann of South Bend, Indiana, widow of the late Richard Niemann; Robert (Cheryl) O’Connor of Granger, Indiana; Riely (Molly Moon) O’Connor of South Bend, Indiana; Maureen (Michael) Hodson of Fishers, Indiana; Jean (Steve) Watts of South Bend, Indiana; Joan (Thomas) Varga of Granger, Indiana; John (Jill) O’Connor of Silverthorne, Colorado; Ann (Taige) Thornton of Edina, Minnesota; and Kevin (Joan) O’Connor of South Bend, Indiana. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held a very special place in her heart. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Friday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Child Society of South Bend. Kaniewski Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.