There are special people you meet who forever impact your life. Special people who make a difference by inspiring you to become more compassionate, more adventurous, and to work harder and laugh even harder. Catherine Elizabeth Grimes was one of those special people.

Cathy was a bright and shining light in the life of every person that she met; her loving, generous and adventurous personality was, and continues to be, an inspiration to all who knew her.Regardless of where they were from or how they came to know her, Cathy had a way of making everyone in her life feel like they were her best friend.

A 1997 graduate of Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Cathy motivated classmates and teammates with her tireless work ethic. She would spend upwards of 15 hours per day at school while balancing outstanding academics and overlapping practices for the swimming and diving, cheerleading, gymnastics and track teams. Her hard work and dedication translated into consistent and exceptional athletic performances.

Cathy continued to excel in academics and athletics for her undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Ball State University and Northwestern University, respectively.

In addition to athletics, Cathy enjoyed yoga, hiking, jogging and skiing. Cathy developed a love for the mountains which was built upon early experiences as a precocious ski expert at Ski World and Paoli Peaks, and it took her to some of the biggest mountains in the world including Whistler, Vail and Telluride. She passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016, while vacationing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The Catherine Elizabeth Grimes Memorial Fund was established within the Wabash Valley Community Foundation to provide a memorial bench in the diving well at the Wabash Valley Aquatics Center and to endow a scholarship fund for outstanding female student athletes at Terre Haute North who embody the spirit and determination of Cathy. Designed by her family, funded by family and friends, this fund will allow Cathy’s spirit to live on forever.