Catherine Mary Reade, 56, died peacefully on 17 May, 2013, at her home in her husband’s arms after a courageous six year battle with Lung Cancer.
Cathi was born 23 August, 1956 in Beaufort, South Carolina. Both her Father and Mother were serving in the US Marine Corps. Upon graduation from Oakdale Christian High School Cathi joined the Corps and served with great pride, accomplishment and satisfaction for twenty years. In 1991 she married Anthony Reade, a career Naval Aviator and epitomized a joint union of the two services. Their marriage of 22 years included an intense love, respect, and loyalty to family and country. A true animal lover Cathi would, over the years, care for a total of seven Saint Bernards, five of them rescues, having as many as four simultaneously in the house for many years.
Upon retirement from the Corps Cathi worked for the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Department, Checkered Flag Automotive, the Virginian Pilot Newspaper, Colt Manufacturing and Tidewaters Building Association. At the same time she achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree from Troy State University.
Outside of her professional endeavors her primary focus was in giving back to society. Cathi was an active participant and mentor with Team-in-Training, an organization that has trained over a half million runners, walkers, triathletes, cyclists and hikers and raised over $1.3 billion to fund lifesaving research to aid the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was active with and a Board member for the Tidewater Striders, one of the largest running clubs in the US. She was a board member and volunteer for the Girls on the Run program, a transformational learning program for girls in 3rd – 8th grade. She was the Race Director for “Race for Breath”, a multi race event held annually the first Saturday in November on the Boardwalk …all proceeds going to fight Lung Cancer. Cathi was a strong advocate in the fight against Lung Cancer. She never smoked, and would confront anyone who made the assumption that all Lung Cancer patients were smokers. She believed in fighting Cancer…all forms of Cancer.
Catherine’s strong Catholic faith was motivating in her acceptance of her fate and her fight against her cancer. A convert to Catholicism, she immediately became active in her Parish. She was vice-Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council when her illness prevented further participation. What she held onto last, cherished the most, and was so troubled to give it up was her work in the Parish Outreach. All she ever wanted to do was to help others.
She was preceded in death by her father, Master Gunnery Sergeant Milton Thomas Witt, her mother, Joan Elizabeth Witt and her sister Jeannie Sutherland. She is survived by her husband, Capt. Anthony Reade, USN, Ret., her two step-sons Rob, COO for a New York marketing firm and Raymond, an Architect and Project Manager at Miami Children’s Hospital. She formed a strong bond of love, friendship and a willingness to advise and support both boys on their path to adulthood. Also survived by her sisters Jackie Jakel, Janice DeGeorge (husband Hank), and Vikki McMahon (husband Will).
The family would like to thank the staff at Virginia Oncology Associates, especially Dr. Michael Steinberg who provided the utmost in aggressive care and his Physician’s Assistant, Christina Krupski, whose personal and direct care were most welcome in the last few months of the battle. Additionally, Sentara Hospice proved a God-send. Mrs. Linda Wins, Cathi’s care nurse, anticipated all her needs in advance ensuring the best quality of life available in the final weeks. There are simply not enough words to thank all these special care-givers.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 11:00 AM at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach. Cremated remains will be interred at the Church and a reception will follow in the Church Commons.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Saint John the Apostle (SJA) Outreach ministry. Condolences may be made to the family and remembrance pictures viewed at the online guestbook.
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Dear Tony, the faith and love that you and Cathi have shared with our parish has been a great blessing to us. We are confident that your great faith and love will continue to comfort you more and more. G
Tony,
Words cannot express our sadness over your loss, but we are comforted in knowing that Cathi is with our Lord. God bless, we’re praying for your whole family.
Jim
Cathi was a true inspiration. Everything she set out to do she did it with enthusiam and never gave up until the task was complete. I always admired her for her tenacity. I will always feel blessed for having known and worked with her. God Bless you Cathi.
Cathi was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. She lived her life inspiring others with her true goodness and compassion. You will be greatly missed!
Tony, So sorry for yor loss. Cathi was a very special lady and inspirational person. She will be missed by all.
Tony
So sorry to hear of this. I have thought of you often and knew of your wife struggle.My heart goes out to you with your loss.
Hold you in our prayers.
GOD BLESS
Tony,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I did not know Cathi but was aware of her battle. She had quite a story. Treasure the memories and may God Bless and comfort you in your loss.
Captain Reade, My sincerest sympathies go out to you and your family. You probably don not remember me but you were my CO way back when you were the CO of the VF33 Starfighters. I was Known as AD2 krampen back then. My prayers go out to you in your time of loss. Wish there were some words or expressions that would bring peace to you, but there are none. I will simply pray for peace for you and your sons
Eagle,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jake
Tony and Family,
Catherine was an awesome lady and friend. She was a blessing to many and her donations to Calvary Baptist Church, “Under His Wings”,
homeless ministry were greatly appreciated. Praying the Lord will provide each of you with the peace and comfort only He can provide during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Ray Tranchant has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.
Tony
Ther are no words I can offer to ease the pain. Reading Cathi’s obituary she was a very special person, one who touched many even those of four legs, caring and devoted to others in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior. She clearly was “Your Lady” as I heard you once refer to her. Keep the faith and from Lois and me, our sincere sympathies and prayers for comfort.
A great lady and admired by all who ever had the privilege of knowing her.
Tony, I hope you know how much we share your loss. We too, were able to share Cathi’s life for 22 years, thanks to your introduction! Love the video — it reminds me just how many memories I have because of her. Cathi was a dear friend and I am a better person because of my relationship with her. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Deb and Pink
A life well lived.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, take good care.
Tony,family and Spirit,
Cathi will always be remembered with love by all of us at Beach Pet Hospital, not only for her dedication to St. Bernards but because of her amazing personality and strength. She has touched many of our lives more than she could have ever imagined.
Our heartfelt prayers for your family.
Carol and Bob Fairchild
Tony,
We were shocked. We loved Cathi, for her love of you, love of country, love of the Corps, love of life…and for her ferocious love of what was right and good…never mind her love of animals, even our cats!
With our fondest wishes…and deepest condolences.
George & Pattie Emery
Dear Mr. Reade and Family,
John and I were thankful to have known and worked with Cathi in The Race for Breath.
She was a very kind lady and a faithful worker.
Please know that each of you are in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.
Love in Christ,
John and Brenda Jennings
Isaiah 26:3-4
The video tribute was beautiful. Tony, as you know, Cath was an inspiration to so many people over the years.
I will always treasure the friendship we shared, the memories we created and especially the strong communication we had during the last few months of her life.
My prayers are with you and the boys.
Please accept my sincere condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. She seemed like a remarkable woman, I wish I had a chance to get to know her.