Cathy A. McVay, age 65, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Cathy’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting her family.

Cathy was born on October 22, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Quentin and Ursula (Potter) Bottoms.

Cathy attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  She was a devoted mom to her two children and homemaker.  Cathy met the love of her life, Joey Wayne Washburn, one night when she was out listening to his band play.  The two quickly became a couple and were together for 29 years until his passing in 2021.  In her free time, Cathy enjoyed watching TV, movies, listening to old time country music and was a huge Elvis fan.  She was well known for sending everyone a card for their birthday, anniversary and on the holidays.  Cathy loved her family and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Cathy’s memory include

her children,
Tonya (Jason) Waterman, Fennimore, WI
and Cory (Rebecca Geltz) McVay, Dubuque, IA;

her step-children,
Shannon Washburn, Dubuque, IA,
Staci Washburn, Dubuque, IA
and Dani (Christina) Kelley, of Georgia;

5 grandchildren, “her babies”,
Cassie (Trever Lynch) Waterman, Epworth, IA,
Amber (Fiancé Eric Schafer) Waterman, Lancaster, WI,
Katlyn (Daniel Schafer) Waterman, Fennimore, WI,
Tatum Waterman, Fennimore, WI
and William Ragnar Robert McVay, Dubuque, IA;

a great-granddaughter,
Abbigail;

and 4 nephews.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Thomas Bottoms; and the love of her life, Joey Wayne Washburn.

Cathy’s family would like to thank the Dubuque Police Department and 1st Responders and the staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital ER for their kindness and compassion.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com