Catherine M. Koten, 88, of Lake Manitou and Barrington Hills, Ill., died Wednesday afternoon in the presence of all three of her children: John, Mark, and Sarah. Catherine died of natural causes and passed from this life in utter peace. Catherine lived a life defined by clear priorities and a big heart. She valued love above all else. Her husband, Jack, who she met as a social worker in Chicago, was always her primary focus until his death in 2013. The two traveled the world together and enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life. Next came family. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren: Jake, Graham, Mak, and Kate. She loved gardening. Nature and books were a source of inspiration. Catherine was always proud to be from Dubuque, Iowa, where her father, Lou, owned both of the local family photography businesses. But she also enjoyed her time in Rochester, watching her kids race sailboats on the lake, going for swims, and being happy to let anyone else but her catch a fish. She also treasured her extended family: daughter-in-laws Karen and Marisa, and Sarah's partner, Tom Manley. She is survived by a sister, Lou Marie Hlubucek and a sister-in-law Jane Koten. Her funeral service is at 2 pm EST on Saturday in the Good Family Funeral Home 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Friends may visit one hour prior to her services. She will be interred alongside her husband in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Donations in Catherine's name may be made to the Tiffany window fund at St. Luke's United Methodist Church 1199 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 or the Barrington Conservation Trust, 210 West Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010.