Catherine Ann Godwin Eldredge September 25, 1946 – May 16, 2020. Catherine was full of love and joy. She always had a smile to share and a talent for bringing laughter to any situation. Catherine's earthy presence will be missed by all who knew her. It didn't take but one-minute after meeting Catherine for the first time to ascertain she was one-of-a-kind. A caring, adventurous, compassionate, uninhibited, generous, loving, kind, and crazy (in a good way) soul who had a way of making everyone she met feel special. What a gift she had of making us feel loved. Catherine wasn't always outgoing. Born in Orlando, Florida on September 25, 1946 to Julian Davis Godwin, Sr. and Harriet Hand Godwin, Catherine was the youngest of three children. She was a shy and quiet child who followed around her older siblings, Julian Davis Godwin, Jr. "Davis" and Juliet Godwin Sharpe, like a lost puppy. The family moved to Little Switzerland, North Carolina, when Catherine was a toddler. At the age of eight Catherine contracted polio and spent her entire 3rd grade school year in the hospital. After recovering she returned home full of life and with the gift of gab. She had become a genuine storyteller. At the age of 10, Catherine received the best gift a girl could ever want, a horse, and boy did she want a horse. King, as she would name him, gave her the ability to explore the mountains and feed her new found adventurous spirit. Her love of horses never waned. She was an accomplished equestrian with many blue show ribbons to prove it. Her desire to explore the country and meet new people persisted throughout her life as well. In her early twenties, while working in Massachusetts, she met Butch Eldredge, with whom she married and had a son, Michael. Although the marriage didn't work out, having Michael was her greatest joy. She and Michael moved back to North Carolina where she eventually designed and built her first home. After Michael joined the Army, Catherine set to travelling again, living in Colorado, Maryland, Alabama, Florida (again), and Pennsylvania. Several years ago she returned to the North Carolina and enjoyed a delightful arrangement living between Charlotte and the mountain town of Jefferson. She passed away in the very Carolina mountains where her adventures first began. She will be greatly missed by her family, brother Davis Godwin (Jann) of Little Switzerland, son Michael (Nora) and grandson Joseph, her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and her many friends. Catherine loved to write – letters, poems, and memoirs. Here are a few words that seem fitting for the occasion. An excerpt from A Travelers Tale by Catherine Ann Eldredge (date unknown): As a child, I felt sure that my life would never be ordinary. Always the adventurer, I eagerly awaited the dawn of each new day and the joys that lay before me. It wasn't until later on in life, that I recognized the reason for the many roads upon which I would find myself traveling. I know in my heart that my life's purpose is simply to walk with people awhile. Once born, our paths lay before us to become doctors, lawyers, and Indian Chiefs. I, on the other hand, am a Traveler. Our Meeting by Catherine Ann Eldredge dated 1963: I think that God, leaning far out one day From the high window of Eternity Gazed down compassionately – as in His way – Upon the earth, and fixed his eyes on me, I think that he said, "Behold! She goes alone. See how she stumbles upon every stone. See how she gropes and yet can never find!" "What shall I do?" God thought, and bent his head. "What shall I do that she may comprehend?" Silent He was awhile, then smiled, and said, "One whom I love shall be to her a friend". Did we not meet – that instant – you and I, Who but for God had passed, unknowingly by? Due to current circumstances, there will not be a memorial service. She would love her life to be honored by friends finding a meaningful way to share in a Catherine-ism. Perhaps give a stranger a hug, tell every dog you see they are the "prettiest dog ever, " stop the care to pick up trash from the side of the road, give the shirt off your back to someone in need. These are all things Catherine has done! She would be delighted, in lieu of flowers, for donations to be made in her name to the hospice Nurse-Angles that provided her with gentle care during her final days. Medi Home Health & Hospice, 405 S. Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694