Catherine Egan Rauch. Some knew her as Catherine, Kay or Cathy but those closest to her called her Neen.  Our darling Neen passed away on September 4.  She was charming, funny, deeply religious, hardworking, fiercely independent, kind, charitable and loving. If you knew her, you already miss her, and if this is your introduction to Neen, you will wish you had known her.  Neen was simply the best of us.  Neen shared so much of herself and yet, still had stories to “spill” in her last few weeks.  She wanted her wits about her till the end, and she got her wish, she remained sharp as a tack.  One-liners were common, just last week when offered a Life Saver candy she said it "was not working." Originally a West-side gal at heart, she graduated from Our Lady Help of Christians and St. Mary’s H.S., we don’t dare say the years.  Neen then started her first and only job working for Wieboldt’s. She rose through the ranks to become the Executive Secretary to the Comptroller in the corporate office downtown at State and Madison. Many boast of being indispensable, but after 48 years on the job, when she retired Wieboldt’s closed its doors forever. Neen was a traveler extraordinaire. Whether commuting on the CTA and teaching us how to “use your elbows” to land a prime seat or embarking on one of the first TWA flights, she enjoyed every adventure. Her escapades included being stranded on a NYC subway during the 2003 blackout and climbing out of a disabled car in a dark tunnel onto the tracks and up out of the ground at age 81! Then there was the Y2K midnight ‘L’ adventure downtown to the Hyatt for fireworks and champagne at age 78!  When not tempting fate, working, or traveling the world, Neen perfected her black belt in personal shopping.  She loved to dance, bowl, ski and baked a mean nut cup.  Neen was an original member and the longest parishioner of Our Lady Mother of the Church, was its Women’s Club treasurer and a dedicated Minister of Care. For 94 of Neen’s 95 years, she lived with her close knit family in the typical Chicago 2-flat.  Neen was the daughter of the late Marie (Mahoney) and the late Denis Egan CPD, sister of the late Eileen Egan, the late William CPD (the late Marge) Egan and Mickey (the late Jimmy) McGuire. In her mid-40’s Neen met her husband, the late Ed Rauch, at the 400 Ski Club and just a year into the marriage Ed succumbed to cancer. Neen was another mother to her nine nieces and nephews, Maureen (Ira) Helfgot, Colleen (Tom Clark) McGuire, Dennis McGuire, Jim (Liz) McGuire, Michael (Juvy Granada) McGuire, Emmett (Michele) McGuire, Noreen (Bill) Olker, Kate CPD (Dave ISP) Nanninga and John Patrick Egan CPD.  Our lives would never have been the same without our glamorous, chic and ever present Neen. Contrary to her concern about being a burden during her recent illness, she continued to be a gift to us all to the end. We were privileged to be at her bedside daily for the past three months, especially Michael.  Neen was also a loving and generous Great Aunt to Michael (Alexandra) Helfgot, Neil Helfgot, Ian, Claire and Colin McGuire, Maggie McGuire, William Nanninga CPD, Margie (Joey) Ignoffo, Johnny Nanninga, Kay (James) Pericht, Annie Nanninga, Loretta Olker, Matthew Olker USAF, and Ellen Olker.  Great Grand Aunt to Rosie and Nile Ignoffo, Cora Olker and Ellie Helfgot, Neen delighted in getting to know the newest members of her family. Neen’s best friends her whole life were her sisters, Eileen and Mickey, and her very special cousin Margie Sweeney.  Neen touched many lives including many cousins, friends and neighbors especially Laura, and her devoted caregivers at Alden, Des Plaines. Recently, when talking with someone who was complaining about turning 65, Neen said that she had done a lot of living in her 30 years between 65 and 95.   It was a great run! Neen always said she loved everything about her life; family, friends and her church. Neen had no regrets, always saying she had a wonderful life till her very last breath with all of us. We should all be inspired by such grace, accomplishments and contentment.  The name says it all, our Neen was one of a kind!  Family and friends will meet Saturday morning at Our Lady Mother of the Church, 8747 W. Lawrence, Chicago for visitation from 10:30 am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:30 am. Interment private.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady Mother of the Church would be appreciated. For info: 773-774-3333