Catherine Paris Ghys (74) passed away Sunday, February 28, 2021. Catherine was born on May 1, 1946 in Athens, Georgia, the fourth of five children and is survived by her husband of 51 years Johannes (Jan) Ghys and three daughters: Maria Drawdy (Charlie), Anna Molenaar (Remko), Sarah Ghys (Topaz Wong) and Granddaughter Charlotte Wong. Catherine ‘Cackie’ is also survived by siblings David Paris (Phyllis), Elizabeth ‘Babbie’ Guscio (Don), Corben Paris (Corrine DeCicco) and Dr. Trevor Paris (Sandy), sister in-law Ina Ghys and beloved nieces and nephews. Catherine was proceeded in death by her parents David and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Decker Paris. Catherine was a mother, grandmother, artist, world-traveler, animal lover, and avid tennis player.

Catherine married Jan on January 3, 1970 in Kingsland, Ga. Catherine, Jan and their three daughters moved for Jan’s work projects all over the world. In 1995 they made their final big move to Bluffton to be next-door to Catherine’s mother Elizabeth “Betty” Paris and her sister Babbie. Jan continued to work on projects around the world while making Bluffton his homebase. Catherine continued her studies at the University of South Carolina pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her final graduation piece was an oil painting a tribute to the artwork titled ‘Young Girl Reading’ by Jean Honoré Fragonard. The painting continues to occupy a central position in the family living room. Jan and Catherine absolutely loved to play tennis and enjoyed the friendships and matches associated with their membership at the Moss Creek Tennis Club.

Catherine's memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12 PM at Sauls Funeral Home/Lowcountry Memorial Gardens, located at 90 Simmonsville Rd. Bluffton, SC. There will be a limited number of chairs set up for the immediate family under the pavilion in the Memorial Gardens, near the gravesite. Friends are encouraged to attend and to bring a folding chair. The family will be practicing social distancing.  Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Catherine with donations as follows: https://glioblastomafoundation.org/