"I send heartfelt prayers to the entire family, even after the passage of 11 yrs. In attending my 1st class reunion, I sadly learned of Cathy's transition to eternal life. Our memories grow more precious as we reach our later seasons in life, and what I especially recall about Cathy, is her kindness, her loving spirit and the beauty in her heart -- the light of which shone from within. Cathy's memory will continue in that same light throughout life. Oriana Brown Armstrong"
In loving memory of
Cathleen Anne Geyer
January 9, 1951 - August 4, 2011
Newport, RI - Cathleen Anne Geyer, 60, of 20 Harrison Avenue, Newport, RI, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 4, 2011. She has been the loving companion of David McDermott of Newport for the past 25 years. Born in Newport, RI on January 9, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Louis W. and Eileen Shreenan Geyer.Following graduation from Rogers High School in 1969, Cathy was employed at Perrottis Drug Store. She began a career in banking, traveling to Boston, Providence and Middletown with positions at Bank of Boston, Newport Hospital Trust Bank and eventually retiring from Fleet Bank. She took great delight in organizing the family Christmas party every year, and prided herself in the thorough research of her family genealogy.Cathy loved life, gardening, and spending time with her family especially her nephews Patrick and Michael Young, Matthew Devine, Daniel Wilkinson, and with her grand nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Christopher, and Riley Young, and Madelyn and Jack Devine. Aunt Cathy will also be missed by Ray, John, Dermot, Jeffrey, Ian, Patrick, Evan and Liam McDermott She is also survived by her sisters Carole Devine and her husband Thomas, Susan Wilkinson and her husband Rian, and Diane Conner and her husband Michael, all of Middletown, RI, and her aunt and uncle John and Elizabeth Shreenan of Southwick, MA, several cousins and their families. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2011, from 4:00-7:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 8, 2011, at 8:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly asked that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI 02908 or to Woman to Woman Support Network, 164 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"Carole & Sue & families, So sorry for you loss. Was searching the internet for Linda & Jimmy Uperti and was saddened to hear of Cathy's passing. My deepest sympathy is with you all. So many years have passed, but the memories remain sweet. Ann Rosenberg Gottlieb"
"Diane, Sue, Carol, Jack & Liz and families and McDermotts, Jan and I grew up with you guys as kind of "cousins", hence Auntie Eileen and Uncle Lou... My heart goes out to you all, as Cathy was such an eternal "kid" and always a bright spot in our lives. My daughter, Alison went to school with Ian and Patrick, so we were a kind of family as well. Oh, this hits so hard. Daddy's been gone 15 years, mom is living with Tom and me, and she is also heartbroken. Love and strong hugs to you all. Our tears flow with yours.... "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails." - Bertha Calloway"
"Dear David,words can never express the heartache we are going through losing Cathy,our dear baby sister. We will never understand but God's ways are far superior to ours. We know your heart is broken as well. We hope you will stay close to us as a family,David. Cathy loved "my David" so much and we do also. Love,Sue&Rian"
"Dear David & Geyer family We were saddened to hear of your loss.It really leaves a hole in your heart.We wish we were able to attend the wake but our thoughts & prayers are with you. Jim & I graduated with Carol & Sue We haven't seen each other in years. We have sent a donation to Soup Kitchen @ ST Joseph's Church in memory of Kathy. Thinking of you...... Jim & Lynda Uperti"
"David,Carole,Sue and Diane -I was deeply saddened when Terry called to inform me of Cathy's passing .I've know all you Geyer gals and McDermott boys it seems forever -both terrific families -God Speed Patsy snyder"
"Carole, Sue, Diane and families.... We were so very sorry to learn of Cathy's passing. It's easy to see by looking at her photo why God would want such a beautiful woman with Him. We pray He will comfort you in this way-too-early loss. You have a special "sister angel" watching over you now. Trust in the Lord. With deepest sympathy, Nancy & Terry Brown"
"Dear Diane,Sue and Carole, It's hard to believe that still another member of the class of 1969 RHS has departed this earth, so soon. Cathy was a friend,classmate and fellow Perrotti's Drug Store crewmate of mine. Lots of good times. I will miss her sweet and caring spirit. I send my sympathy and prayers to your families at this difficult time."
"When Uncle Frank passed things were crazy and I was tired of answering the phone. I had had it and answered "WHAT!?" -thinking it was my Dad. Hearing your familiar voice and laugh was exactly what I needed right then. I, we, will miss you Cathy. God Speed"
"Dear Cousins, I was so saddened to hear the loss of Cathy, and how sudden it was to you all closest to her. My family and I know all to well the pain you are feeling, but please know you are not alone. God is surrounding you along with the rest of us that pray and think of you often. Cathy was such a bright, warm, loving person, and I wished I had taken the time to know her better. Take care of yourselves. Love you all..."
"Sue, Carole, and Diane. I have such wonderful childhood memories of Cathy. We were great friends at Cranston Calvert and Thompson. I will never forget her gentleness, loyalty and beauty. So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you."
"We shared some very nice times with Dave and Cathy at Norton's parties over the years. Cathy is a wonderful woman, who many will remember and miss."
"Sue and Carole and family: I was saddened to learn of Cathy's passing. I have fond memories of us cousins at Kings Park! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time."
"Dear Rhode Island Geyers and David. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all and I cannot imagine losing someone so young and vibrant. I am so sorry that I did not meet Cathy in person here on this earth...we shared many emails back and forth about Geyer history. She seemed like such a fun person. My mother, Margaret Geyer Hoffman, talked lovingly of the fun she had visiting the RI Geyers before she passed. I feel sure she was there to greet Cathy into heaven. Love and prayers to you all. Your San Antonio cousin, Susan"
"Diane, Sue & Carole, I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was one of my dearest friends all through high school and one of my bridesmaid in my wedding party. I will cherish all the wonderful memories that we shared together, especially out class trip to Washington. My heart goes out to all of you and your families. Love, Karen Trojan Santa"
"Sue, Carole, and all your family members...God Bless. I will keep you all in my prayers."
"Our deep sympathy to the Geyer family and the McDermott family for your loss. May the memories of Cathy and her shining smile bring comfort to you all."
"Susan and Rian, Our sincerest condolences in the loss of your sister, Cathleen. We know she'll be carried in your hearts forever."
"CONDOLENCES TO DAVID, ALONG WITH ALL THE GEYER FAMILY, FROM THE McDERMOTT COUSINS OF FIFTH WARD SQUARE.TOGETHER, WE SHARED STRONG GENEALOGY INTERESTS, AND SHOPPING. MAY GOD HOLD YOU ALL IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"We had only met Cathy recently, and looked forward to her family emails and getting to know her better. We are holding a place in our hearts for her family and close friends in their grief."