Cathy Lee Marak

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.