Catarina/Cathy Longoria
Cathy Longoria had a heart filled with faith and a mindset for service to her family and community. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
Catarina (Cathy/Cata/Caty) Longoria, 83, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away peacefully in her home with her family present Dec. 2, 2024, in Moses Lake.
She was born in March of 1941, one of 10 children born to Librado and Trinidad Medrano in Elsa, Texas. After attending school in Ed Couch, Texas, she migrated to Washington state in the late 1950s to work in the agricultural industry like so many other migrant farm workers during that time. While on this journey, she met and married Enrique (Henry) Longoria of Mercedes, Texas, in 1966.
In 2005, she retired from the Moses Lake School District after 31 years of service to the community. She was a Home Visitor for the Title I Migrant Program, receiving an award as Washington State’s Home Visitor of the Year for 2001-2002. Her work in this role impacted the lives of countless children and their families new to the area. As the daughter of a farmer, she never forgot her roots and along with her passion for the people, she inspired many of these children to complete school, pursue higher education and become successful in life.
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Atilano Medrano, Juan Medrano, Narciso Medrano and sister Maria Medrano.
Cathy is survived by her spouse, Henry, daughter Sandra Vasquez (Gale Vasquez), Jaime (Jimmy) Longoria (Brigida Longoria), and Jorge (George) Longoria (Michelle Longoria). Five grandchildren: Belen Longoria, Ayla Longoria, Anthony Longoria, Jorgie Longoria and Alex Vasquez. Her sisters, Rosalia Ybarra, Rosa Medrano, Irma Sepulveda, Angelita (Angie) Medrano and her brother, Antonio (Tony) Medrano.
Prior to her death, Cathy had requested a private gathering of her family at her home. Her plans also included cremation; therefore, no viewing or service will be held per her request at this time. We will instead hold a memorial service and celebration of life in May of 2025, details will be determined and announced shortly before this event.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to all of her friends and family not mentioned here, the Samaritan Hospital staff, Confluence Clinic Drs. Ahluwalia and Ahmed and their staff, Assured Hospice staff, Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation staff, and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church.
“Heavenly Father,
Hear our prayer for the deceased, for those who put the welfare of others before their own. Make our hearts as pure as theirs.
Hear our plea for those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others. Accept the gift of their sacrifice and let their souls rest eternally in the palm of Your hands.
Comfort us as we grieve the loss of our dear loved one, Catarina. Hear our prayer today and have mercy on us.
In the name of the Holy One, Amen.”
Memorial messages and tributes may be posted at Catarina-longoria.forevermissed.com.