Catherine "Cathy" Lee Paavola

About Cathy

Catherine Lee (Johnson) Paavola passed away on November 21, 2024, at home after a courageous battle against cancer. Cathy fought a good fight. Good because a good God was with her. Good because of the victorious weapons of faith, hope, love, and a peace that surpassed all understanding.

Cathy was born on April 9, 1963, in Superior, Wis., to Gerald Edward Johnson and Barbara Ann (Sickler) Johnson. She was the second of four children and their only daughter.

She attended Superior High School as a teenager and then continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. During that time, she met Scott Paavola at an Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Prayer Meeting. He was playing guitar, and when she saw him, she knew she was going to marry him. They attended college-age bible studies together and were part of the same home church for many years. Eventually, they were married on March 29, 1998, in Solon Springs, Wis., and their first kiss was at the altar.

Cathy and Scott moved near Mahnomen, Minn., in 2000, where they had three daughters.

Cathy had a passion for teaching children to read. After home-educating her own children for many years, she began tutoring at F.H.L Academy in Bagley. Throughout her time there, she taught English, Home Economics, History, and Drama.

F.H.L. considered her their Reading Specialist. She always said, " I'm not a specialist, but I can teach little kids how to read!" She was always willing to sub anywhere they needed her, and she was definitely gifted at making props. She also co-produced an F.H.L. dinner theatre program called “Hymn of the Ages.” Working on this production with her husband, Scott, was a highlight for both of them. This was just one of many examples of how their differences united them and brought about a product that could bless others.

In her free time, she enjoyed weaving, scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She enjoyed music and singing with family and friends. She also handled the administrative end of her and Scott’s wild rice business.

Cathy will be greatly missed by her husband, Scott, of twenty-six years and by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, many uncles and aunts, and her cousin, Jeff Johnson.

She is survived by her husband, Scott of Bagley, Minn, her daughters Joy (Casey) Fitzpatrick of Sebeka, Minn, Elisabeth (Jesse) Quam of McIntosh, Minn, and Iris Paavola of Bagley, Minn. Her brothers, Gerald Johnson Jr. of Titusville, Fla, Anthony (Laurie) Johnson of Rice Lake, Wis and their children Cody, Madison, and Caleb, also Martin Johnson of West Hollywood, Cal. and her Uncle Raymond (Diane) Johnson of Omaha, Neb. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

memorial service

Memorial Service for Cathy ("Symphony of Praise")

December 14, 2024

Grace Chapel MN-92, Shevlin, MN 56676, USA

A meal will follow the celebration. A private burial is scheduled at Pine Grove Cemetery in Itasca Township.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home