Catherine “Cathy” Ann Dugan, of Stevens Point, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Portage County Health Care Center, at the age of 79.
Cathy was born December 23, 1946, in Sterling, IL; daughter of the late Charles “Mack” and Caroline (Goldthorpe) Dugan. Cathy and her five younger siblings were raised in Sterling on Woodlawn Road.
Cathy’s life reflected her belief in the importance of education. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts in English and German, as well as a Master of Science in English. She used her own education to encourage and motivate the education of others. Early in her career, she was a teacher, working for Woodland Girl Scout Council as a Public Relations Director and Field Advisor. She went on to teach at DC Everest Junior and Senior High in Wausau, Mid State Technical College as an Adult Basic Education and Communication Instructor, UW-Stevens Point as an Academic Staff Instructor, and a Columnist for the Stevens Point Journal. During her career, she committed herself to those she taught, and did so with pride until her retirement in 2007.
While Cathy dedicated her professional career to teaching, she was also a devoted mother, raising her own children. She had two daughters, Elaine and Laura, from her first marriage, and once she remarried, she joyfully gained a step-daughter, Elizabeth (née Missey) Oliver. Cathy’s driven and independent nature didn’t stop her there, she was also an active member of the League of Women Voters, Portage County Democratic Party, The Green Circle Trail, and Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve. Furthermore, she was sure to support these organizations with her time and resources. From 2016 to 2020, Cathy also served as an Alderperson in the city of Stevens Point, where she worked hard to support her community and those residing there.
Cathy was more than educated and bright, she was also inquisitive in nature, spending her free time reading and writing in order to feed her hunger for learning. She enjoyed being out in nature and spent time hiking, camping, and bike riding through the bike trails. Her adventurous spirit also took her all over, traveling to places near and far. One of her favorite places to visit was the United Kingdom. Above all else, Cathy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Her humor and quirky wit will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Cathy is survived by her daughters, Elaine (Peter) Borbiro, Laura (Ihor) Bardachiwski, and Elizabeth (Rob) Oliver; and her granddaughter, Theresa Raczek. She is further survived by her sisters, Nancy (James Myers) Dugan and Marie Franks; her brothers, James (Linda McIntosh Peet), Thomas, and Steven Dugan; and many nieces and nephews.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Caroline; and her husband, James L. Missey.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Arborwood Assisted Living and Memory Care in Wisconsin Rapids, Whispering Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care in Plover, Portage County Health Care Center, and Shuda Funeral Chapel.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Cathy’s honor to one of the following organizations: PBS Wisconsin (PO Box 7929; Madison, WI 53707-7929), United Way of Portage County (2801 Hoover Road, Unit 2; Stevens Point, WI 54482), or Green Circle Trail (2419 NorthPoint Drive; Stevens Point, WI 54481 - or greencircletrail.org).
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Shuda Funeral Chapel - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.
