Dr. Catherine Bishop-Temple of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away on August 16th, 2024, at the age of 75.

Born in New York on August 8th, 1949, to Michael and Alice Bishop, Catherine built a life marked by her passion for education, her tireless work ethic, her fierce sense of independence, and her devotion to her family (both human and animal). She was also an incredibly gifted swimmer, smashing records in pools all around New York and New England, even making it to the 1964 Olympic Trials.

Catherine graduated Cum Laude in 1971 from Springfield College (MA) with a BS in Education and a concentration in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, as well as a minor in Biology. While at Springfield, Catherine was a groundbreaking member of their Division 1 swim team. She was a two-time USA All American, and a three-time Eastern USA and six-time All New England intercollegiate swim champion.

For twenty years, Catherine put her impeccable eye for fashion to work in the retail industry. She worked as a store manager for a national chain, a buyer, and ultimately became a highly successful, multi-store owner. In 2001, Catherine sold her stores and returned to her roots in education.

Catherine excelled as a graduate and doctoral student at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where her many achievements included having her dissertation named Dissertation of Distinction and nominated for the University's Dissertation of the Year (2007).

Catherine was in the field of education for over twenty years, with most of her career spent in literacy. She served as a Reading Coach, a Literacy Resource Specialist, and as Palm Beach County School District's Secondary Literacy Administrator. Catherine cared deeply about both students and staff. She designed and implemented staff development programs for teachers and administrators, established high school Literacy Centers, and developed reading curriculum for struggling high school readers and students preparing to take the ACT. For many years, Catherine served as an Adjunct Professor at FAU in the graduate college of Teaching and Learning. She also had an extensive private tutoring practice.

At this time, the family would like to think that Catherine is sitting somewhere warm and beautiful, with a glass of her favorite wine and a good book, reunited with her beloved dogs.

Catherine is survived by her two children, John and Kristin Temple, her brother, Robert Bishop, and her two dogs, Sully and Sadie, who she loved dearly. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.

In remembrance, a gathering will take place on Friday, 8/23 from 4-8pm at the Gary Panoch Funeral Home, and a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, 8/24 from 11am-12pm at Ascension Catholic Church.

Professional arrangements by:

Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com