Catherine “Cathy” Theresa Barstad was born February 1, 1943 in the midst of WWII to John and Helen Dwyer of Massachusetts. Catherine passed away on June 20, 2022. Catherine is preceded in death by her husband Jerome Barstad, her parents, John and Hellen Dwyer. She is survived by her four children: William, Frank, Sean, Theresa Westphal, seven grandchildren: Liam, Wade, Sophia, Cameron, Megan, Lacey, Thor, sister, Maureen Bleth and her significant other, Bobby Pearson.
In childhood, Cathy travelled the world as part of a U.S. Naval family while developing a love of old movie musicals, singing and dancing. In life, she always had big plans and believed in “tomorrow is a new day” just in case today’s plan didn’t go well. Even on her deathbed she spoke of big plans and better days ahead. As a mother, she was the world authority in lullabies, chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal, Christmas morning magic, Christmas dinner extravaganza, and keeping her children on the path.
Cathy met her husband, Jerome Lee Barstad, a dashing petty officer, at Moffett Field in the late 1960’s and together they built their family. She spoke of eloping in the convertible Mercury Cougar with a glove compartment full of uncashed paychecks. These memories were some of her happiest and most exciting times. Jerry passed away in 2001, very suddenly, but he was surely there for her on this final journey.
As a Nunna, Cathy will be bragging in heaven about all her grandchildren.
Finally, at the last, Bob Pearson and Cathy have spent 18 years together in sickness and in health. They have had each other during years, for so many, could have been isolating. Bob has been a partner in adventure, and misadventure, to Cathy. When the time came, he gave her the caregiving she needed. We should all be so lucky as to have a GrandBob in our life.
This isn’t goodbye, it is farewell for now. Godspeed Mom.
A viewing and Funeral Mass will be held at St.Pius Catholic Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City on Thursday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m.
https://www.pius.org/stream
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lewy Body Dementia Association .
