Catherine D. Rice, 68, of Warren, PA, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at her home following a lengthy illness.
Cathie was born on February 24, 1947 in Warren, PA, the only daughter of the late Thomas J. and Evelyn Armstrong Donnelly. On October 22, 1977 she married Merl A. Rice who survives.
Cathie graduated from Warren High School, Class of 1965 and later graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Jamestown Business College. She was employed for 26 years as an executive secretary with Struthers Wells Corp. and worked as an executive assistant for 10 years with the United Fund of Warren County, retiring in 2012.
Cathie was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church. She had battled cancer for the last 3 ½ years. She loved the slot machines in Salamanca and Las Vegas, and was noted for her wit and sarcastic remarks, which she inherited from her father. They could find humor in most any situation. Cathie was a lifelong Democrat and served as Warren County Democratic State Committee Woman for 16 years.
Friends may call from 6-8pm Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. A vigil service will be held at 7:45pm Saturday evening at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 AM Monday at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA, with Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor, officiating. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Ascension at St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place a memorial may do so through the Cancer Care Center of Warren General Hospital, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA 16365, or to the United Fund of Warren County, P. O. Box 844, Warren, PA, 16365, or to Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA 16365, or to St. Joseph R.C. Church, or to a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Dear Merle,
Praying you’ll find comfort from your precious memories as you feel God’s presence caring for you in your loss.
I am seldom at a loss for words, and even though your dear Cathie was ill for an extended time, it’s still so hard to process. I was saddened to hear of her passing.
It was touching to realize the great love you had for Cathie as you provided such wonderful care throughout her illness. I have no doubt that your continuous devotion is what kept her wanting to hold on.
Cathie will be remembered for the footprints she left upon so many of us. Her humor really was priceless, but she also brought us inspiration as she showed us not to give up while she so valiantly fought her battle. She was simply remarkable.
As you know, she was the right hand of my husband as they worked together at the United Fund. What you may not know, he never thought of her as a co-worker as he valued the friendship they developed over the years. I looked forward to hearing the “Cathie stories” he’d often share after a day in the office.
She will be missed, but guaranteed she will live on in our hearts
.
With love and sympathy,
Elaine
Merl,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Merl – so very sad hearing about Cathie passing, but know that she fought a good fight and is now out of pain. Hoping for peace for you. Peg
Dear Merl,
We just attended the St Joe’s Memorial service and realized that your wife passed away. We are sorry we missed seeing it in the paper as we were preoccupied with my father’s declining health and death.
We pray for comfort for you at this difficult time.