Mary Catherine Springstead

Mary Catherine (Cathy) Springstead, age 71, of Little Rock, formerly of New Orleans, died on November 27, 2016 after a valiant battle with heart disease, diabetes and pulmonary edema. She was born on June 23, 1945 in Little Rock, AR to Christine Hambuchen Springstead and William Frederick Springstead. She is predeceased by her parents. Survivors include her brother, Fred Springstead, nephew, Kevin Vogeltanz and grandniece, Christine Vogeltanz. Cathy loved life. She had a quick wit and zany spirit comparable to none. Some of her fondest memories were of her high school years at Mount Saint Mary Academy and after her move back to Little Rock she was supported by long ago friends form her Mount years. After graduating she made her way to Loyola University in New Orleans where she began her illustrious career in the dental hygienist profession. New Orleans became her home and she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher after earning a Master's in Education. She taught young women and men to become talented hard working hygienist both at Loyola and the Louisiana School of Dentistry in New Orleans. In addition she continued working in her chosen profession as a dental hygienist and became extremely involved with the Dental Hygienist Associations. She served one year as the President of the Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association, was a Trustee for the American Dental Association and represented Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi for four years in the association. She truly made a mark in dental hygiene not only in Louisiana but nationally as well. A former associate, Nancy Kline, who was also her friend and employer, said "Cathy was an incredible teacher, an excellent clinician, skilled at taking care of people and her students loved her." After Hurricane Katrina, life changed for Cathy. She moved across the river from New Orleans but continued working as a hygienist for her lifelong friend Dr. Peter Tufton. She used to spend every Christmas and Thanksgiving with his family and was so very grateful for that time with him and Linda and their children. Some of her greatest joys in life were her mission trips to Honduras, singing in the choir at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in New Orleans and running. Her family and friends thank Hospice Home Care for the kind, loving care you gave Cathy over the last six and a half months. She could not have been in a better place. We are extremely grateful. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, 1003 North Tyler Street, on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 6 p.m. and a Rosary will follow at 6:30 with Deacon John Hall presiding The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will also be at Our Lady of the Holy Souls on Friday morning at 11 a.m. with Fr. John Marconi presiding. The family asks that memorials be made in Cathy's honor to Mount Saint Mary Academy, 3224 Kavanaugh, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.