Neighbor News
Catherine “Cate” Rondenet April 20th, 1934 - January 20th, 2025
A Memorial Service is planned for May 17th at First United Methodist Church of Evanston. 516 Church St. Evanston
Catherine “Cate” Rondenet
April 20, 1934 – January 20, 2025
Catherine Marie Rondenet, “Cate” of Evanston passed away peacefully in her home on January 20th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Cate was surrounded by the love, laughter and tears of her beloved family. Cate was 90 years old.
Cate was born in Fort Worth Texas to Catherine Marie (Chartrand) Russell and James Willard Russell on April 20th, 1934. Cate’s family moved to Maywood, Illinois to be near family when Cate was a year old after the sudden death of her father. Cate graduated from Catherine of Sienna Catholic High School on Chicago’s West Side, and then worked at Hines Veterans Hospital with her mother and sisters.
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In 1954 Cate married Eugene Rondenet and they started their family soon after. Cate would go on to raise seven children in Glenview, IL where she would live for almost 30 years before making Evanston her home.
A lifelong learner, Cate returned to school while still raising her youngest children. She began her educational journey at Oakton Community College, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lake Forest College. Cate’s determination and passion for social justice led her to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work Policy at the University of Chicago.
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Cate’s intellectual curiosity and dedication to understanding personal growth led her to the field of Depth Psychology, where she found her calling in the work of Carl Jung. After moving to Evanston, Cate applied to the Analyst Training Program, completing it in 1998 to become a Jungian Analyst. This achievement marked one of the proudest moments of her life.
For over 20 years, Cate practiced as a Jungian Analyst, helping others navigate their inner worlds with compassion and wisdom. In 2004, she co-founded The C.G. Jung Center in Evanston, a space dedicated to public programs inspired by Jung's work and accessible, sliding-scale therapy services. Cate’s mission was to make mental health resources available to all, leaving a legacy of healing and hope.
Cate’s greatest pride, however, was her family. She was a devoted mother to Elizabeth Londo (Michael) of Elgin, IL; Eugene Rondenet (fiancée Summer)and Christopher Rondenet (Mary Lee) of Alameda, CA; Meg Rondenet-Will (Dan Cronin) of Evanston, IL; Mary Rondenet of Warrenville, IL; Paula Gallagher (Michael) of Wheaton; and Laurette Rondenet (fiancé John McDonnell) of St. Charles.
She was an adored "Grandma Cate" to 18 grandchildren: Devin (Kelsey), Mason, and Harte Londo; Lucas (Kelsey), Claire, and Lauren Rondenet; Nick and Jack Rondenet; Ryan and Russell Will; Elyse Barajas; Connor (Kourtney), Brendan (Kami), Sophie, and Jacquie Gallagher; Garrett and Gavin Johnson; Christopher and Declan Smith.
Cate was also a beloved step-grandmother to Stewart (Kelsey), Kerry, Alex, and Sasha Smith, and cherished great-grandmother to Griffin Gallagher (Connor and Kourtney), Cole Londo (Devin and Kelsey), and step-great-grandmother to Cassian (Stewart and Kelsey), Arlo (Sasha), Claira, Harper, and Hallie (Kerry).
Cate is survived by her sister Marylou Kramer (the late Robert Kramer) and her brother Richard Schmeltzer (Sharon). She was preceded in death by her sisters Doris Dupont and Bette Whitman. Cate was a dear cousin, aunt, friend, and mentor to many.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Cate’s caregiver of many years, Naana Frimpong, whose unwavering dedication and compassionate care made Cate’s final years at home not only possible but enjoyable. We are forever grateful.
Family and friends to gather Saturday, May 17, 2025 for a Memorial Visitation at 10AM until time of the Memorial Service at 11AM
First United Methodist Church of Evanston
516 Church St.
Evanston, Illinois 60201
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The C.G. Jung Center in Evanston, IL (cgjungcenter.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).
Cate will be remembered for her boundless curiosity, her compassionate presence, and the joy she brought to the lives of everyone who knew her.
