Catherine Ann Orsi

March 9, 1958 - March 14, 2016

Catherine Ann Orsi passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 14, 2016, ending a brave five-year battle with brain cancer.

Although conceived in her father's native homeland of Italy, she was born in Corvallis, the first child of Vincenzo and Margaret (Atwood) Orsi. Catherine grew up in Albany and Corvallis and in 1983 received a degree in civil engineering from OSU. She practiced until during a personal illness, she became disenchanted with Western medicine. She enrolled at Bastyr University and received her Doctor of Naturopathy in 2003. She opened her own practice in West Seattle and served hundreds of clients until stricken in 2011.

She married twice: Phillip Wurst in 1983, and Chelo Winfried Schal in 1995. She remained lifelong friends with Chelo.

Catherine had a lifelong interest in aquatic pursuits including scuba-diving, sailing, kayaking and swimming. She dreamed of becoming a mermaid.

She was proud of her Italian heritage and obtained dual Italian citizenship. She was a devoted member of her church. Dancing was her favorite and we will remember her, dancing and grooving in pure joy.

She is survived by mother; siblings Lewis (Kathy), Barbara and Stephen; nephew Nick; and niece Kate.

Preceding her in death were father Vincenzo; and grandparents Hulda and Harlow Atwood (American), and Luigi and Olimpia Orsi (Italian).

A service will be at 1 p.m. April 30 at Plymouth United Church of Christ, Seattle.