Catherine Ludyjan

Catherine Ludyjan, born on May 31, 1951, left this world on February 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. To all who knew her, Catherine embodied warmth, laughter, and pure unconditional love. From the very earliest days of motherhood to the countless roles she took on throughout her life, she excelled as a mother, an aunt, a sister, a wife, a friend, and a grandmother. Her nurturing spirit touched all those around her.

Catherine’s culinary delights were legendary; she was known for her incredible baking and cooking skills, often bringing the family together at gatherings where music, dancing, and laughter filled the air. She believed that the more, the merrier, and rightfully cherished family moments were at the core of her joy. It is said that good food and love go hand in hand, and she served both in abundance.

An avid fan of television, Catherine found solace in down-to-earth shows like "Little House on the Prairie," "Mash," and "Perry Mason." These beloved programs resonated with her enduring values of kindness, simplicity, and faith. Her heart also beat for baseball, particularly the Texas Rangers, a passion she shared with her husband.

Catherine was not just a loving mother to her three daughters—Gina Evans, Linda Salinas, and Angie Salinas—but also a devoted aunt to all her nieces and nephews, with whom many she shared a strong bond. Following the tragic loss of her husband Regino Salinas in a car accident in 1972, she found love again and married Michael Ludyjan in 1996, gaining two more children, Tracey Ludyjan-Ybarra (Roland Ybarra) and Jeremy Ludyjan (Shannon Ludyjan).

Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Catherine Evans, Hunter Evans, Michael Evans, Ada Ybarra, Caroline Ludyjan, and Stella Ludyjan, along with her great-granddaughter Ariel Johnson. Each one carries a piece of her caring and nurturing spirit.

Catherine’s bond with her siblings—Teodora Galvan, Ester Constante, Ernesto Benavidez, Santiago Benavidez, and Christina Perez—was profound and filled with love. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Teofilo and Tomasa Benavidez, as well as by her siblings: Manuel (Lencho) Benavidez, Amado Benavidez, Joe Benavidez, Maria Casares, and her grandson, Roland Ybarra, Jr.

Catherine’s family is deeply grateful for the abundance of joyous memories they shared with her and will forever carry her love in their hearts.

The visitation will be held at Blessing Funeral Home, 401 Elm Street, Mansfield, Texas, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The Rosary service will take place on February 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the same location.

Funeral Services will be held at St Jude Catholic Church, 500 East Dallas Street, Mansfield, Texas, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM, followed by burial at Britton Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Catherine Ludyjan will be remembered not only for her warmth and laughter but also for the many lives she touched with her love and kindness.