Cathy was such a beautiful human. It was always a treat when I would visit with Steve & Cathy at the boat. What a beautiful couple they were. Her spirit and loving ways were portrayed well in her obituary. She’ll be missed by many. Thank you for telling her story.
Catherine "Cathy" Ann Jordan
December 20, 1945 ~ June 16, 2025
South Portland – The most beloved wife, mother and grandmother in all of Maine entered eternal rest on the peaceful and sun-wrapped morning of June 16th while her two children held her hands. Catherine “Cathy” Ann Jordan, formerly of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, moved through life with a quiet sophistication and effortless grace. Elegant in both style and spirit, she had an innate sense of beauty, whether in the way she dressed, decorated a room, wrapped a present, or the thoughtful way she gathered her loved ones. Her impeccable taste was always refined, and deeply reflective of who she was – timeless, caring and full of heart.
Born on December 24th of 1945, in the loving arms of her parents, Catherine (1987) and Joseph Noden (2009) as well as her older brother, Joseph “Buddy” Jr. (1965), it always felt perfectly fitting Cathy came into existence on a day devoted to quiet joy and giving. She never needed to be the center of attention – she found fulfillment in loving others, and she expressed that love in the most meaningful ways whether through her homemade meals or bestowing the perfect tailor-made gift.
Cathy’s daughter would poke fun at her once awarded Miss Westbrook title, but she truly was stunning both inside and out. More importantly, she was an intelligent woman. After graduating from Westbrook College, she went onto begin a career as a paralegal where her sharp mind, exceptional attention to detail, and strong sense of right and wrong earned the respect of her colleagues and clients alike. She believed in doing things the right way and standing up for what was fair, and she brought that same integrity into every aspect of her life. Cathy left her career to support her husband and his family’s business, Jordan’s Ready-To-Eat Meats, but years later, upon entering the life of an empty-nester, she returned to work. This time it was for her dear friend’s business, Len Libby Candies. There she was responsible for creating unique packaging for their confections as well as designing and executing artful displays. It was a joyful outlet where her refined eye and thoughtful touch could be shared with all. Her work wasn’t just about presentation – it was a reflection of her love for detail, beauty, and making others feel special through an exquisitely packaged treat.
Cathy was admired for many things, but what stood out most to everyone was the blissful marriage she shared with her husband, H. Stephen Jordan (2016), of 48 years. Theirs was a rare and lasting partnership, rooted in deep mutual respect, unwavering support and enduring love. Although they explored the world together, they also embraced the everyday pleasures in life. One of their favorite rituals was taking a drive to Fort Williams. Hand in hand, they would sip Folgers coffee from their travel mugs as they conversed and watched the icy waves crash against the cliffs – a peaceful, grounding moment they cherished and returned to often. Or the times they would take the scenic, one hour, route to a local food stand because they had a craving for a red snapper. For them, it truly wasn’t about the destination, it was always about their journey. Together, they created a life of meaning and true happiness – a life that inspired all who knew them.
As a mother, Cathy was nothing short of extraordinary. She was always there when her children needed her – steadfast, present, and full of love. Whether it was to celebrate a milestone, seek her wise and steady advice, or simply hear her reassuring voice, she was her children’s first call. Cathy’s love was unconditional, her support unwavering, and her ability to comfort unmatched. To the world she was a mother, but to her children she was the world.
When her beloved husband passed, not a single day went by where she didn’t feel the weight of his absence. Yet through her grief, she found strength and purpose in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren gave her the will to push forward, and she, in turn, became a constant presence in their lives. She was the light of their universe, a keeper of family traditions, like the pickle game on Christmas Eve, and a reliable wellspring of unconditional love. Whether through her warm hugs, familiar recipes (American chop suey was a fan favorite), or gentle guidance, she wrapped each grandchild in a sense of belonging and security.
Cathy always made time for others, never too busy to lend an ear, offer support, or open her home. She loved hosting family gatherings – creating, warm, elegant spaces where laughter and stories could be shared over beautifully set tables. She cherished her friendships and when she wasn’t busy raising her family, she would spend afternoons playing bridge with “the girls” or enjoying a game of tennis, where her graceful competitiveness shined. She found purpose in building meaningful connections with others and created a life rich in community, tradition, and love.
Cathy is survived by her son, Stephan Jordan of Portland; her daughter, Cara Hanson and husband (Cathy’s bonus son), David Hanson of Falmouth; her grandchildren, Jordan, Jack and Catherine Hanson; her brother-in law, David Jordan and his wife, Nancy of South Portland; and her many nieces and nephews in the Jordan, Barber, Ackerman, Dvorozniak, Devine and Carlucci families.
After 9 years, in a true testament to their devotion to one another, both Steve and Cathy’s final wish of being laid to rest together, at the same moment, at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth will come to fruition. The family will share this private moment together, but a celebration of life gathering will be announced for a later date this summer. To view Cathy’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to cure leptomeningeal disease, a disease her daughter’s dear friend, Sunshine Taliento, is courageously battling (www.sunshinestronger.com).
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