Catherine Irene Getz, 94, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, in Berlin, Maryland. Born on July 7, 1931, in Parsons, West Virginia, she lived a life dedicated to education, community service, and a deep appreciation for nature.
A proud graduate of Beverly High School’s Class of 1949, Catherine began her career with the Wicomico Board of Education. Over more than three decades, she served in various roles including principal’s secretary, bookkeeper, and office manager at North Salisbury Elementary School. She concluded her career as secretary to the directors of special education before retiring in 1995. Her dedication left a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike.
Irene was deeply involved in volunteer work. She served as president of The Volunteers of Deer's Head State Hospital and supported The March of Dimes. Her commitment to youth development was evident through her role as a 4-H leader and later as a certified Ombudsman in West Virginia.
Her home was a place of welcome and support. She hosted Gabriel Breitenbuecher, a foreign exchange student from Germany; provided shelter for a Vietnamese refugee; and opened her doors to performers from the Up With People program during their time in Salisbury.
An avid traveler and nature enthusiast, Irene explored Europe, Hawaii, and much of the United States. She especially cherished her monthly visits to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, where she enjoyed photographing wildlife. She served as president of The West Virginia Travelers travel club.
She is lovingly remembered by her son Charles Getz (Laura); sister Donna Woodward; stepson Austin “Butch” Getz (Ginger); and stepdaughter Bonita Curry. She was preceded in death by her parents Preston and Columbia McCloud Miller; husbands Richard L. Getz and Austin T. Getz; brothers Marion Miller, Maurice Miller, Richard Miller; and sisters June Roby, Eloene Campbell, and Ada Pingley.
In honor of her compassion for animals and community service, contributions may be made to Town Cats of Ocean City, Maryland.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness and service.
A proud graduate of Beverly High School’s Class of 1949, Catherine began her career with the Wicomico Board of Education. Over more than three decades, she served in various roles including principal’s secretary, bookkeeper, and office manager at North Salisbury Elementary School. She concluded her career as secretary to the directors of special education before retiring in 1995. Her dedication left a lasting impact on colleagues and students alike.
Irene was deeply involved in volunteer work. She served as president of The Volunteers of Deer's Head State Hospital and supported The March of Dimes. Her commitment to youth development was evident through her role as a 4-H leader and later as a certified Ombudsman in West Virginia.
Her home was a place of welcome and support. She hosted Gabriel Breitenbuecher, a foreign exchange student from Germany; provided shelter for a Vietnamese refugee; and opened her doors to performers from the Up With People program during their time in Salisbury.
An avid traveler and nature enthusiast, Irene explored Europe, Hawaii, and much of the United States. She especially cherished her monthly visits to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, where she enjoyed photographing wildlife. She served as president of The West Virginia Travelers travel club.
She is lovingly remembered by her son Charles Getz (Laura); sister Donna Woodward; stepson Austin “Butch” Getz (Ginger); and stepdaughter Bonita Curry. She was preceded in death by her parents Preston and Columbia McCloud Miller; husbands Richard L. Getz and Austin T. Getz; brothers Marion Miller, Maurice Miller, Richard Miller; and sisters June Roby, Eloene Campbell, and Ada Pingley.
In honor of her compassion for animals and community service, contributions may be made to Town Cats of Ocean City, Maryland.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness and service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catherine Getz, please visit our flower store.
Catherine Getz's Guestbook
Visits: 196
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors