Catherine Verdun, age 86, of Odell, passed away peacefully, at home under hospice care on October 3, 2024.  She was born in Pontiac, IL on September 18, 1938, the daughter of Jarlath M. and Lucille (Johnson) Watson.  She graduated from St. Paul Elementary and High Schools with the Class of 1956 and was named Odell's Centennial Queen in 1954.  She worked for Odell State Bank for several years prior to marrying the love of her life, Harry J. "Bud" Verdun on November 28, 1959.  They shared 29 years of marriage, farming, and raising their 4 children prior to his death in 1989.  Catherine was a life-long member of St. Paul Catholic Church and an active member of the Catholic Daughters.  She, along with Bud, taught CCD classes and she participated in countless fundraisers and committee activities through the years.  She worked as the Parish Secretary for many years, and served on the parish Finance Council and St. Paul School Board.  Catherine also kept an active social calendar on a weekly bowling league and she did not miss her monthly Card Club events.

The memory of Catherine will be cherished by her children, LuAnn Trainor of Fairbury, IL, Bill (Joy) Verdun of Oregon, IL, Mike (Diana) Verdun of Belding, MI, and Amy (Scott) Gulliford of Shorewood, IL; grandchildren, Mark (Kara) Trainor and Joe (Lindsey) Trainor both of Fairbury, Greg (Faith) Trainor of Tinley Park, IL, Katie (Lance) Golliday of Lexington, IL, and Jay Trainor of Denver, CO, Nick Gulliford of Joliet, IL and Grace Gulliford of Shorewood, IL, Grace Verdun of Arlington Heights, IL, Jack Verdun of Grand Rapids, MI, Devinn Dewey of Polo, IL; great grandchildren, Jase, Kyler, Luke, Hayleigh, Harry, Sammy, Lucy, Jack, Henry, Kyli, Kenzli, Kaethen and Kolten; brothers, John (Peg) Watson of Galesburg, IL, Joe (Caroline) Watson of Fontana, WI and Jim (Linda) Watson of Moline, IL; sisters-in-law, Joann Hoegger of Odell and June Welte of Richland Center, WI; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including lifelong friend, Sharon Howell.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two infant children, a brother, Msgr. William A. Watson, a son-in-law, Bob Trainor, a grandson, Ethan Trainor and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:00 am St. Paul Catholic Church, 200 S. West Street, Odell, IL 60460, with Fr. John Bosco Mujuni the Celebrant. Visitation will take place at the church on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Monday, 10:00 to 10:45 am.  A Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm Sunday at the church.  Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Odell following the Mass.  Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcomed to consider a memorial donation in Catherine's memory to St. Paul Catholic School.   For additional information contact Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.