Catherine Ann Murray Mamer

Catherine Ann Murray Mamer passed from this life to eternity on December 28, 2025. She was known for her lifelong commitment to Catholic social justice and service to the poor; her vivacious smile and infectious laugh; her warm hospitality to family, friends, and strangers alike; and her genuine love, interest, and guidance for all who crossed her path.

Catherine was born on May 10, 1939, in Onamia, Minnesota, to James Eugene and Eleanor (Liedl) Murray. She graduated from Onamia High School in 1957 and from the College of St. Catherine in 1961, where she studied theatre and English. Following graduation, her passion for world travel and service led her to volunteer for one year as a teacher with the Maryknoll missionaries in Tanzania. Upon her return to the United States, Catherine taught at Regina and Park High Schools where she was dearly loved by her students.

On August 19, 1967, Catherine was united in marriage to John Henry Mamer. They shared 44 happy years together before John’s passing from ALS in 2012. Throughout her life, Catherine lovingly mentored and “mothered” many people. A professional volunteer at heart, she served numerous organizations and spent more than 40 years as a volunteer and director at Peace House Community in Minneapolis. Her favorite quote was from Saint Pope Paul VI from his January 1, 1972 message for the day of peace: “If you want Peace, work for Justice.” Catherine lived that quote with her whole being. Among the numerous awards for her service, she was honored with a College of St. Catherine Alumnae Award in 2008 and the Minnesota Social Services Association Volunteer of the year award in 2024.

Catherine is survived by her daughters Eleanor (Micah) Kiel and Maria Nhambu; grandchildren Harrison and Brendan Kiel, and Katarina and Karl (Mandy) Nhambu Bergh; great-grandchildren Amani, Oskar, and Liv; and extended Mamer, Murray, and Liedl family members.

The family gratefully acknowledges the support of Kjell Bergh. Special thanks to the Prayer Ladies, who gathered weekly on Catherine’s porch to pray and tend to the needs of countless souls, and the many friends who surrounded Catherine with love. Thank you to caregivers Rossibel Reyes; Superior and CentraCare Hospice; Claire Prokott; and Legacy and Comfort Keepers Home Care.

Visitation Friday, January 2 from 6-8pm at Gearty-Delmore, 3888 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale. Additional visitation from 10-10:45am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Saturday, January 3 at St. Margaret Mary Church, 2323 Zenith Ave. N., Golden Valley.

Memorials preferred to Peace House Community (1816 Portland Ave., Minneapolis), Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation (1884 Randolph Ave., St. Paul), St. Catherine University (2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul), or St. Margaret Mary Church.