Catherine “Cathy” Robbins Hawa
Catherine “Cathy” Robbins Hawa passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2023 surrounded by her family in her home in Beaumont, Texas.
Born September 21, 1958, in Dobbs Ferry, New York to Robert and Mildred (Miertschin) Robbins, Cathy was a loved and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, and an amazing “CeCe” to her grandchildren. She moved to Beaumont when she was nine years old, but always spoke fondly of her special childhood memories from Dobbs Ferry. Cathy attended Forest Park High School, where she formed her close friendship with Leah Hawa King, who introduced Cathy to her brother, John. For John, it was love at first sight. Cathy and John dated for five and a half years and married on June 7, 1980. Together, they raised three children, Wilson, Christopher, and Allison. Cathy had a way of making life special for those close to her, and was known for her wonderful fruit trays, charcuterie spreads, over-the-top snack baskets, holiday and birthday decorations, and activities galore for her precious grandchildren when they came to visit. Cathy was the consummate hostess, from a simple “casual” night at home, friend or family vacation, or a meticulously planned party – she made anyone she hosted feel loved through her generous and thoughtful spirit. Cathy’s sparkly eyes, warm smile, and endearing and sweet disposition brightened every room she entered, and made even strangers feel as though they’ve known her for years. As radiant as she was on the outside, she was even more beautiful and pure on the inside. She was kind to all, trustworthy, loyal, gracious, the ultimate listener and problem solver, and always put everyone else’s needs before her own.
She was incredibly generous of her time to her family and friends, and a dedicated volunteer for many organizations over the years, including her children’s schools, All Saints Episcopal and Kelly High School, St Mark’s Church, the Symphony League of Beaumont, Junior League of Beaumont, and the Lamar University chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha to name a few.
She is survived by her husband, John; her children, Wilson Hawa and his wife, Lauren, of San Antonio; Christopher Hawa and his wife, Katherine, of San Antonio; and Allison Darling and her husband, Will, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Helen, George, and Mary Hawa of San Antonio; brother, Robby Robbins and his wife, Kay, of Bellville; sister, Martha Percy and her husband, Jim, of Opelika, Alabama; brother, Billy Robbins and his wife, Karen, of Beaumont; sister-in-law, Leah King and her husband, Charles, of Round Rock; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all so dear to her, Catherine Nall, Cathleen Naumann, Kristina Coffman, Caroline Billingsley, Will Robbins, Jennifer Heckathorn, Claire Patrick, Katy Robbins, Nolan Robbins, Laurie Marie Robbins, Emma Lange, Lane Langston, Grace Billingsley, Jack Naumann, David Billingsley, Drew Naumann, and Charlie Patrick.
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mildred Robbins, and her father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Helen Hawa.
The family would like to give special thanks to Sagrario Tapia for her tireless service to Cathy and the family.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Catherine Nall, Cathleen Naumann, Kristina Coffman, Caroline Billingsley, Jennifer Heckathorn, Claire Patrick, Katy Robbins, and Laurie Marie Robbins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706, for the Catherine Robbins Hawa Endowed Scholarship Fund.
A Memorial Service for Cathy will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, with a reception to follow at The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main Street, Beaumont.
Video
Memorial Service
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- 680, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- September 25, 2023
- 1:00 pm
Reception
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
- 680, Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- September 25, 2023
John today I attended a wedding in Houston. Upon visiting with Cheryl Adam’s (Mitterlehner) from Beaumont I learned about Cathy!! My heart sank as I loved your family. I’m just in shock. Please know I’ll be lifting yal in prayer that each day you find some type of peace. I understand how hard it will be as both my parents just died 5 weeks apart. Take care John, you & my dad have been my greatest mentors.
John, so saddened to see of your wife’s passing. I pray for healing and peace for you and your family. Judy Hammer Ferguson
John and Family – I am so saddened for your Loss. I met Cathy in College and we had several classes together. Always such a Lady and so sweet. May God Bless you in this most difficult time.
John and family, so sorry to hear about your loss.
May God give y’all the peace that passeth all understanding.
John, We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Cathy will always be remembered as a beautiful, kind and loving friend. We pray for you and your family that the wonderful memories of her life will fill your hearts and bring you peace.
To the Hawa and Robbins Families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a wonderful person. I remember that she always had a smile on her face and was always so gracious, caring, and with welcoming personality whenever our paths crossed. I’m praying for everyone in the family and wishing you all the peace and comfort possible.
With deepest sympathy from,
Rebecca and the Woodland Family
I was saddened and shocked to see Cathy’s obituary online. I was in the sorority with Cathy at Lamar, and she was a beautiful person inside and out. The world has lost a bright light. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.
Heartfelt condolences to the Robbins and Hawa families. Bob and Ethel Hanson
I was sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. She could light up a room and people’s life’s with her beautiful smile and kindness. Sending you love and prayers and know that’s she’s always shining down on you
John and family–I was devastated to hear of Cathy’s illness and death. The world can ill afford to lose such a bright, beautiful spirit! May all of you come to enjoy that wealth of beautiful memories of her that I know you must have. My heart and mind are with you all. With much love and sympathy.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all the family. Leah, you and Cathy would light up a room in ZTA at Lamar. I moved away from Beaumont after I married, but I see through her obituary just how her gracious personality and wonderful life and devotion to her family and friends brought great joy to many lives.
Cathy has a very greacious soul second only to her physical beauty. You see her presence in the faces of her children and grandchildren which light will never be extinguished. John I pray for you and your family to have strength of faith that someday we will all see her again in heaven.
God Speed.
Mark & Carolyn
John, Wilson, Christopher, and Allison-
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy was such a beautiful person with the sweetest caring personality. I know she will be missed – hang on to the wonderful memories.
She was a beautiful bright light in this world.
Our sincere sympathy to all of her loving family.
Sending all our love to the entire Robbins family, I love you all. Everyone was so blessed to have Aunt Cathy in their lives and we will forever miss you. Love to the entire family ❤️❤️
I am so sorry . There are no words. She was a special person. Love to all. Joyce
Dear John and Family,
We became friends with Mildred and her 4 children after moving across the street in 1970. They were kind and welcoming and we watched Martha, Cathy, Robbie and Billy grow-up. Cathy baby sat with Amy. It was a treat for Amy because she generally took her home. What fond memories we have of the Robbin’s family! Our family shared in the happiness of Cathy and John’s beautiful wedding. Cathy will be missed by so many. Her beautiful smile and caring manner lite up a room.
Let your positive memories and God get you through your rough days. Know you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Cathy is now the brightest angel in heaven. She was truly a gift from God to all of us and she spent her time here making our world more beautiful. God bless all those she loved and those who loved her. May we find peace in knowing that she’s in her father’s arms and is well and at rest. Love, Susan and Jimmy
Dear Leah, John and family,
I am so sad to learn of Cathy’s passing. We attended Forest Park together, and she was a such a sweet person with a very warm, kind spirit. Prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days.
She was a very kind and beautiful woman. our prayers and sympathy John to you and your family. Sandy and Joseph.
Such sad news! Cathy was such a sweet and beautiful friend. I have such good memories of her and her sweet smile.My prayers to the family for their loss.
John,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you our family.
Ben and Karen Hicks
Dear John, Wilson, Christopher, and Allison,
I am heartbroken to learn of your loss. Cathy would brighten a room any time she walked into it. I am so thankful we were able to re-connect while our kids were in school together, but I regret losing touch after that. As this news has spread I have seen these sentiments repeated over and over. Cathy was beautiful, both inside and out. She had a beautiful soul. Both of those statements are so very true, and I am very thankful to have known her. Leah, I know this is also a tremendous loss for you. Sending each of you prayers for comfort and peace.
Beautiful inside and out-
So sorry for your loss.
I’m so sad to hear the news of Cathy’s passing. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out. Macon joins me in prayers for her family and friends.
Dearest John, Leah and family,
Cathy will be forever the most beautiful spirit. As long as I’ve been away from Beaumont, I’ve thought about Cathy so often – she was an angel in every way and influenced me often.
I cannot join you on Monday to share in her memori.- (my)John and I fly out on Sunday at 9 pm.
I loved Cathy so much. But of course everyone did,
John, Leah, Bill and Martha you all will be i my prayers for time to come.
With love and fondest memories, Annabelle
Cathy was always so sweet and kind. She will be missed.
My condolences to all family members.
John,
Terribly sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine your pain. Cathy was such a wonderful person. My prayers are with you and your family.
Susie McDermand
IMAGINE
Stepping onto a shore and finding it heaven
IMAGINE
taking hold of a hand and finding it God’s hand
IMAGINE
breathing new air and finding it celestial air
IMAGINE
feeling invigorated and finding it immortality
IMAGINE
passing from storm & tempest to an unknown calm
IMAGINE
walking and finding it home (author unknown)
John and family…you ALL are in our hearts and prayers. May the heavenly Lord help you to find peace in knowing Cathy is no longer suffering and she will live forever in your hearts, as well as ours. With heartfelt sorrow Wayne, Susie, Amanda and Casey.
Dear Leah and family of Cathy. I was so saddened to see that Cathy had passed away. We had several classes together at FP and she was always the sweetest and most beautiful person inside and out.
My prayers are being said that God comforts you during your time of loss.
Cathy was a beautiful soul who smiled not only with lips but with her eyes also. Prayers for John and family. I will not be in Beaumont as I am in Florida