At 80 years young, Catherine Crowder is proving that there's no age limit on making a difference. This inspiring foster mom began her fostering journey a little later in life, just three years ago, and has already welcomed five children into her home—with hopes of more placements to come.
With a large family of her own, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Catherine still felt called to do more. “As a Christian, I know we are here to serve.” she says. “It’s been quite a journey. I just wish I had started earlier. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been very rewarding.”
Not one to slow down, Catherine continues to work part-time while fostering elementary-aged children. In addition to driving to school and other activities, making lunches and all of the tasks of parenting, she tries to focus on what truly matters. She shares her faith openly, takes her foster children to church, and teaches them to pray, always offering them the warmth of a grandmother’s care. Catherine’s goals for each child are simple but heartfelt: that they know who Jesus is, that they learn to ride a bike, and that they learn to swim. “I learn from them, and they learn from me!”
Catherine shares a heartwarming memory from the day she was brushing a child’s hair before she returned home. As they chatted about their time together, Catherine gently asked, “It wasn’t too bad being here, was it?” The child paused, then replied with a mischievous grin, “Well, it was a little bit bad...... GOTCHA!” Catherine chuckles at the memory and says, “I’m really going to miss her.”
She still keeps in touch with several of her former placements, cherishing those ongoing relationships. Catherine Crowder is a shining example of lifelong service and love in action. "The word ‘retirement’ is not found in the Bible!” she adds with a smile.
