Cathy Estella Birkhead, of Bethalto, Illinois, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on June 7, 1952, to Nickson Clinton and Estella Hope (née Davis) Birkhead.
Adventurous and fiercely independent, Cathy forged her own path through life. After graduating from high school, she pursued her interest in technology and eventually became a computer programmer with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she met her lifelong best friend, Janet Zimerman. The two shared a love of adventure and traveled the world together, including an especially memorable riverboat cruise through Europe.
When she wasn’t traveling, Cathy was happiest at home with her two standard poodles. She always had a soft spot for dogs and also enjoyed tending to her garden, particularly her herbs and spices. She had a fondness for collecting trinkets and knickknacks and took great pleasure in cooking. Sociable and bold, Cathy had a fiery spirit and was never one to shy away from speaking her mind.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Harold Birkhead; and her nephew, David Birkhead.
She leaves behind her sister-in-law, Evelyn Birkhead; her nephew, Jason (Jessica) Birkhead; cousins Diane Fincher and Jim Davis; and her beloved friends Janet Zimerman and Gail Humiston, along with many other extended family members and friends in her community.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Metro East Humane Society of Madison County.
