On Sunday night, our community lost an extraordinary woman far too soon.
Cathy Christiansen was a devoted educator, licensed counselor, and, above all, a loving single mother to her 19-year-old daughter, Maya. Her unexpected passing has left her family, friends, colleagues, and countless students in shock and mourning.
Cathy dedicated her life to helping others. Throughout her career in education, she poured her heart into serving students and families, especially those facing poverty and hardship. She was the person quietly writing grants to provide resources for students, securing donations for families in need, organizing teacher appreciation events, and making sure no child felt forgotten. If someone needed help, Cathy found a way.
Beyond her work in schools, Cathy was also a licensed professional counselor, spending her evenings helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, wisdom, and hope.
This summer marked a new chapter in her career. After leaving Hickman Mills School District in June, Cathy had recently returned to Grandview School District as a school counselor—a district where she had faithfully served for 17 years. She was excited to begin again, continuing the work she loved so much. Tragically, that opportunity was cut far too short.
While Cathy spent her life taking care of others, today we have the opportunity to take care of the person she loved most—her daughter, Maya.
Maya is preparing to begin at Langston University this fall. Instead of celebrating this exciting milestone with her mom by her side, she is now facing unimaginable grief while navigating funeral arrangements and the financial uncertainty that comes with losing her mom.
We are asking for your support to help cover Cathy’s funeral and memorial expenses and to ease Maya’s financial burden as she begins college. Every donation, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this heartbreaking time and allow Maya to pursue the future her mother worked so hard to make possible.
If you are unable to give financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Maya and Cathy’s loved ones in your prayers.
Cathy spent her life lifting others up. Let’s come together as a community to honor her legacy by surrounding Maya with the same love, generosity, and compassion that Cathy so freely gave to everyone else.
Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support.
