The COT Foundation was formed in honor of Catherine Ann O'Connor Trage to simply honor her life and to help others in her name. Catherine's life was a shining example of how to love and care for others no matter how difficult the task. Catherine's life and sudden passing touched thousands of people, so it is with much joy and gladness that we, her family and friends, carry on her message of love and caring to all we can.

Catherine was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 1, 1964, the 5th of 6 children born to James and Rosaire O'Connor. She spent all of her life in the Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park area. She attended Ascension and St. Luke's grammar schools as well as OPRF High School. She earned a degree in Marketing from NIU in Dekalb, and returned home to meet and marry John Trage. Catherine was blessed with 4 incredible children, Lauren, Jack, Alex and Regan and devoted her life to her husband, children and family. Catherine was also a daughter and sister/sister-in-law to Jim (Margy), Mike (Mary Beth), Mary (Michael Cook), Danny (Marianne) and David (Suzanne) as well as a friend to so many! Catherine touched each and every person she met and always made people feel special and loved.

Catherine died suddenly on February 22, 2008 while on vacation in Mexico. While we accept God’s calling her home at such a young age with so much still to do, the COT Foundation will be her voice here on earth and will carry her message of love to all we can whenever we can.

Please pass the word to as many as you can. If we all work together we will make a difference and continue Catherine's memory by helping others.