Cathy Lee Marak
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Obituary
Cathy Lee Marak, 68, of Springdale passed peacefully on June 23, 2025. Cathy was born on November 30, 1956, in Fayetteville, the second of four children of Mary Jewel Reed and Thomas Earl Reed.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Stephen Marak; her father, Thomas E. Reed of Morrow, Arkansas; three brothers, Larry Reed of Tampa, Florida, and Leslie Reed (Lisa) and Michael Reed (Michelle) of Lincoln, Arkansas; ten nieces and nephews (Melissa, Jennifer, Josh, Michele, Brett, Morgan, Madison, David, Sarah, and Trey) and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jewel Reed.
Cathy was an educator who touched the lives of many students. She taught chemistry and physics at Lincoln High School for many years, and computer networking at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Cathy was an active member of the Orchid Society of the Ozarks and the American Orchid Society, a life member of the Arkansas Native Plant Society, and of various other groups focused on the natural world. She had many hobbies, including reading, photography, growing her own orchids from seed, birding, and hiking. She especially enjoyed traveling and exploring the outdoors.
Cathy supported and contributed to numerous charitable and educational organizations. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the Northwest Arkansas Humane Society, or the American Orchid Society.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Stephen Marak; her father, Thomas E. Reed of Morrow, Arkansas; three brothers, Larry Reed of Tampa, Florida, and Leslie Reed (Lisa) and Michael Reed (Michelle) of Lincoln, Arkansas; ten nieces and nephews (Melissa, Jennifer, Josh, Michele, Brett, Morgan, Madison, David, Sarah, and Trey) and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jewel Reed.
Cathy was an educator who touched the lives of many students. She taught chemistry and physics at Lincoln High School for many years, and computer networking at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Cathy was an active member of the Orchid Society of the Ozarks and the American Orchid Society, a life member of the Arkansas Native Plant Society, and of various other groups focused on the natural world. She had many hobbies, including reading, photography, growing her own orchids from seed, birding, and hiking. She especially enjoyed traveling and exploring the outdoors.
Cathy supported and contributed to numerous charitable and educational organizations. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the Northwest Arkansas Humane Society, or the American Orchid Society.
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Nov 30, 1956
Jun 23, 2025
68
Documents
Tributes
Cathy was not a friend I saw often, but she was a part of some of my best memories. She and Steve were such a great couple, and were absolutely couple goals! I will miss and send all my sympathy to her family.
Becca Martin - Friend
Mrs. Marak was my chemistry teacher in the early 90's. I remember her putting up with a lot of punk kids! Bless her heart!
Sincerest condolences to her friends and family.
Kara (Reed) Maberry - Former Student
Cathy grew up just up the road from me. I was always inspired by her wit and her brilliance as a little girl. My Dad thought her red hair was beautiful so I always wanted to be redheaded. Cathy always followed her big brother and me to our favorite mudhole across the road and led the way for her little brothers. I never heard her Mom complain about our muddy clothes. Cathy always laughed her way through our outdoor adventures.
Cathy taught several of my children for which I’m very grateful.
My love and sympathy goes to her Dad, brothers and husband.
Karen Reed Hunton - Cousin
Cathy and I were not in the same class, but I remember her from school and basketball. Later in life, I took an adult computer class at Lincoln that Cathy taught. She was an excellent teacher. She was a kind person, and one of those people that you remember fondly. I was saddened to hear of her passing and will keep her family in my prayers.
Carol Morelock - School
I was so sorry to hear this. I lived next door to Cathy when she lived in a small green house on Kirk Lane. She was also a teacher to both my daughters. We also received one of the best dogs we ever had from her, Kizzy was her name. She was truly a wonderful person, friend and teacher.
BARBARA MATTHEWS - Friend
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Nov 30, 1956
Jun 23, 2025
68
Documents