Catherine Biedenharn Flaherty

SHREVEPORT, LA - Catherine Biedenharn Flaherty, 57, passed away on February 17, 2002 in Shreveport after a lengthy illness. A native of Shreveport, she was the third daughter of the late Jeanne and R. Zehntner Biedenharn. Born Catherine Susan Biedenharn on February 21, 1944, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a graduate of Byrd High School in 1962. She attended the University of Houston majoring in foreign language and nutrition. After college, Ms. Flaherty relocated to Seattle, Washington, serving as a flight attendant to United Airlines. She returned to Shreveport in 1978. Since her return to the Shreveport area, Ms. Flaherty has devoted her love, attention and concerns to issues involving the human condition, quality of life, particularly for children, and animal conservation. She turned her attention to the work of charity in 1992, organizing and founding the Catherine Susan Biedenharn Trust. As its Director until her death, she focused her dedication toward relieving human and animal suffering and provided for charity to these causes far beyond her lifetime. Ms. Flaherty also served on the Board of Trustees of the R.Z. Biedenharn Foundation in its charitable activities. Catherine became a generous and anonymous benefactor to many notable charities both locally and nationally. She gave with a kind, compassionate, and gentle heart to children, youth, women and families in crisis. Her forbearing spirit was opened to the poor or sick, the outcast, the abused and the neglected, whether humankind or creatures, great and small. Catherine sought no honor or recognition for her unselfish bequests, only the noble feeling of making life better for others. While she would not choose to be known herself, her legacy was to be known for the tender generosity of her heart. Ms. Flaherty was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne and Zehntner Biedenharn and her sister, Louisa Biedenharn. Catherine is survived by two sisters: Jeanne Gay of Lutz, Florida; and Sydney Biedenharn of Benton, La.; brother-in-law, Randy Walker of Benton; two nephews: Zehntner Gay of Isla Morada Key, Florida; and Ross Walker of Benton, La.; two nieces Reina Walker and Rachel Walker of Benton, La. A memorial service will be held at a later time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Providence House in Shreveport, or the charity of their choice. Special appreciation is expressed to Billie Hollingsworth of Shreveport, and Rev. Oscar Player of Benton, whose love and dedication brought her comfort in her difficult times. Osborn Funeral Home 865-8426