Catherine Elizabeth Rosen (née Sloan) passed away on January 10, 2026, after succumbing to her battle with small cell carcinoma. Born on September 7, 1959 in Evanston, Illinois, Cathy was known for her warmth, generosity, and the undeniably lovely spirit she brought into the world. She spent most of her life living in Illinois with her husband of 45 years, Brian. Their marriage spanned decades and reflected a life built together over time, shaped by shared responsibility, perseverance, and history. In 2015, they moved to Florida, where she quickly established a network of friends and continued the work she loved most - being there for the people she cared about.
Cathy was the youngest of three sisters and a self-described tomboy, known for her scrappy spirit, fierce loyalty, and gift for conversation, earning her the nickname "Chatty Cathy." She loved her parents deeply and treasured her sisters, Debbie and Carol, sharing laughter, support, and memories with them from childhood onward.
Cathy was dependable, thoughtful, and endlessly compassionate. She was always quick to lend a hand and provide care wherever help was needed. She poured herself into acts of service, offering her time and energy freely, and never stopped caring for others.
She was a hard worker in every sense of the word. Over the years, Cathy held many jobs, but eventually gravitated towards selling vintage and antique goods. She had a deep knowledge and love of furniture - especially mid-century modern - and her taste was as eclectic as her collections. She valued craftsmanship, beauty, and quality.
Cathy took great pride in creating a home that reflected care, effort, and love. She had an eye for order and a tireless work ethic that showed in every corner of the spaces she tended. It was one of the many ways she showed care - creating stability, comfort, and a sense of peace for the people she loved.
Cathy enjoyed thrift shopping, reading, walking with friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her gentle humor endeared her to those who knew her well. She collected beautiful bars of soap, Frankoma pottery, and unique vintage perfume bottles, finding joy in small, lovely things.
One of the most defining chapters of her life was caring for her father during his long illness with Parkinson's disease, cancer, and dementia. Her devotion as a caregiver was unwavering and extraordinary, and those who witnessed it saw the depth of her commitment and heart.
Above all else, Cathy cherished her family - especially her grandchildren. She spoke of them constantly, proudly sharing photos and stories with anyone who would listen. Being a grandmother brought her immense joy, and her love for them was boundless. She was also a devoted mother and best friend to her daughter, Jessica, with whom she shared a deeply close bond and daily connection. Their relationship was marked by constant support, shared laughter, and a profound sense of companionship that carried them through every season of life. She was her daughter's anchor, comfort, and closest friend.
Later in life, Cathy experienced a quiet but meaningful growth in faith, shaped in part by witnessing miracles in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren. This journey brought her comfort and hope and became an important part of her final year of life.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Brian; her daughter, Jessica (Michael); her grandchildren, Lucas, Noah, and Madeleine; and her sisters, Debbie Ettinger (Dan) and Carol Fontecchio (the late Richard). She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl "Bud" and Ida Olive Sloan. Cathy also leaves behind numerous brokenhearted relatives and friends.
Cathy lived a life defined by generosity, devotion, and selflessness. She gave freely of her time, energy, and heart every single day. Anyone who knew her was better for it, and those who didn't missed the rare gift of knowing a woman who made the world feel safer, steadier, and more compassionate, simply by being in it.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
"The people we love shape us, even after they are gone."
⁃ Mitch Albom
Cathy was the youngest of three sisters and a self-described tomboy, known for her scrappy spirit, fierce loyalty, and gift for conversation, earning her the nickname "Chatty Cathy." She loved her parents deeply and treasured her sisters, Debbie and Carol, sharing laughter, support, and memories with them from childhood onward.
Cathy was dependable, thoughtful, and endlessly compassionate. She was always quick to lend a hand and provide care wherever help was needed. She poured herself into acts of service, offering her time and energy freely, and never stopped caring for others.
She was a hard worker in every sense of the word. Over the years, Cathy held many jobs, but eventually gravitated towards selling vintage and antique goods. She had a deep knowledge and love of furniture - especially mid-century modern - and her taste was as eclectic as her collections. She valued craftsmanship, beauty, and quality.
Cathy took great pride in creating a home that reflected care, effort, and love. She had an eye for order and a tireless work ethic that showed in every corner of the spaces she tended. It was one of the many ways she showed care - creating stability, comfort, and a sense of peace for the people she loved.
Cathy enjoyed thrift shopping, reading, walking with friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her gentle humor endeared her to those who knew her well. She collected beautiful bars of soap, Frankoma pottery, and unique vintage perfume bottles, finding joy in small, lovely things.
One of the most defining chapters of her life was caring for her father during his long illness with Parkinson's disease, cancer, and dementia. Her devotion as a caregiver was unwavering and extraordinary, and those who witnessed it saw the depth of her commitment and heart.
Above all else, Cathy cherished her family - especially her grandchildren. She spoke of them constantly, proudly sharing photos and stories with anyone who would listen. Being a grandmother brought her immense joy, and her love for them was boundless. She was also a devoted mother and best friend to her daughter, Jessica, with whom she shared a deeply close bond and daily connection. Their relationship was marked by constant support, shared laughter, and a profound sense of companionship that carried them through every season of life. She was her daughter's anchor, comfort, and closest friend.
Later in life, Cathy experienced a quiet but meaningful growth in faith, shaped in part by witnessing miracles in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren. This journey brought her comfort and hope and became an important part of her final year of life.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Brian; her daughter, Jessica (Michael); her grandchildren, Lucas, Noah, and Madeleine; and her sisters, Debbie Ettinger (Dan) and Carol Fontecchio (the late Richard). She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl "Bud" and Ida Olive Sloan. Cathy also leaves behind numerous brokenhearted relatives and friends.
Cathy lived a life defined by generosity, devotion, and selflessness. She gave freely of her time, energy, and heart every single day. Anyone who knew her was better for it, and those who didn't missed the rare gift of knowing a woman who made the world feel safer, steadier, and more compassionate, simply by being in it.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
"The people we love shape us, even after they are gone."
⁃ Mitch Albom
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