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APRIL 27, 1923 - DECEMBER 10, 2011
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, & great-grandmother.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1923. She met and stole the heart of Carl, who turned out to be the love of her life in 1943 at a USO Army dance at Camp Croft in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They married in 1944 in Charlotte, N.C. and have been together ever since.
They first lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where they had their only child, daughter Dianne. Then moved to Houston, Texas for 10 yrs and then settled in Honolulu, Hawaii where they resided for 35 yrs.
In 1990, they decided to make Castro Valley, California their home to be closer to the family.
In 2004 her journey with various illnesses began. First Parkinson's, Cancer, & finally Alzheimer's. She struggled for 8 years with her loving husband and daughter right by her side caring for her around the clock. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family loving and supporting her all the way through to the very end of her journey. She will be truly missed...A very special woman who will remain in our hearts forever. She is survived by her loving husband Carl, daughter Dianne, grandson Christopher, granddaughter Cathy, and great-grandson Devin...We love you!!!!!!
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, Dec. 16th from the hours of 11:00 - 12:00 at Holy Angels Funeral Center, 1051 Harder Rd., Hayward, CA. Funeral Service will be on Friday, Dec. 16th at 12:00 pm at Holy Angels Funeral Center. Burial to follow to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward.
Friends are welcome to join the family on this day to celebrate the life of Catherine Barrea.
Guest Book
Our sincere sympathy,
Laureta Williams Cuny & Vickey Maida
We were so sad to hear the news about Aunt Catherine. We know how difficult it is to lose someone so precious. I have so many wonderful memories of her that I will treasure forever. As a child, I looked so forward to her visits from Hawaii. She was always beautiful, glamorous, and elegant and I adored her. We will be thinking of you and praying for you in the days ahead.
With much love,
Kim Gordon Brown (Frank's daughter)
Helen has been sharing all her lovely memories of Cathy with us this past week. A real southern belle; welcoming and warm, polished with a smile and sense of humor.
Being separated by so many miles at a time likes this makes it so difficult. We wish we were there to share hugs and tears.
It is nice however, to know that Cathy is no longer suffering and that she's happy in heaven. You have all taken such good care of her all these years that I'm sure you've all earned your wings too.
The Battaglia family will be making a donation to the Alzheimers Association in Cathy's memory.
With all our love, sympathy and prayers, as you go through this very difficult time,
Helen, Cos & Nancy (her son & daughter-in-law)
I'm so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful wife and mother as she was to you. Her beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor fill my memories of Aunt Cathy. My visits to Uncle Carl and Aunt Cathy in Hawaii are some of the most special memories in my life and I cherish the time I was able to spend getting to know them better.
Please know that your entire family is in my prayers and I pray that you will feel the strength of God's presence and His love in the coming days and weeks ahead. I regret that I will not be able to attend her funeral services but I will be there in thought and memory. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you - In Christ's love, Jeff (Uncle Frank Gordon's son)
I am very sorry for your loss.
I remember Aunt Cathy as one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever met (still, to this day). She was so soft spoken and at that time the only person I knew with a Southern accent. I loved it!
My prayers are with your family and as you requested, we will join the family to celebrate Aunt Cathy's life on Friday from here. With Sympathy and fond memories,
Joe...(Aunt Helen's Son)