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Catherine Zaretzka Obituary

Catherine M. Zaretzka Born June 4, 1958 in Newman, California passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009 surrounded by her family after a courageous two year fight with cancer. Wife of Michael E. Zaretzka, loving Mother of Angela Marie Zaretzka. Daughter of Constantina M. Silva and the late John S. Silva. Sister of Ron (llda Maria) Silva and John Silva. Daughter-in-law of Richard Zaretzka and late Charlotte Zaretzka. Sister-in-law of Phyllis (Kenny) Cogley, David and Steven Zaretzka. Aunt to Jonathan and Anthony Silva, Dawn and Jason Cogley, and Amy and Kimberly Zaretzka. Niece to numerous Aunts and Uncles in California and Canada. A twenty-nine year employee of GTE/ General Dynamics. Rosary and funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 PM, St. Clare Catholic Church, 941 Lexington Street, Santa Clara. On September 10th at 10:00 AM there will be a visitation at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary followed by an 11:00 AM Blessing Service at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, where Catherine will be laid to rest.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Sep. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Gregg Pearlman

October 9, 2009

I just now learned about Cathy, and I'm so sorry to hear this news. She was a terrific person: kind, thoughtful, funny, understanding, smart.... I'm lucky to have known her.

Cathy's friends and family have my sincere sympathy and best wishes.

Amy Milligan (Zaretzka)

September 15, 2009

My deepest thoughts and prayers to Uncle Mike and cousin Angela.


I will forever miss and love you Aunt Cathy. I know you are looking down upon us all and I will continue to look up to you and smile.

Diana Martin

September 14, 2009

Michael and Angela~ James & I are so sorry for your lost...our Lord & Creator is taking great care of Cathy now. Any time either of you two need an ear, I'm here~ Diana L. Martin(& James D. Martin)

Kimberly Fiskratti (Zaretzka)

September 14, 2009

Aunt Cathy was a wonderful woman, and she touched the lives of many. She will be missed so much more than any words can express.

I will always hold you in my heart, Aunt Cathy.

Nancy Snyder

September 9, 2009

So sorry you lost your dear Cathy. She was such a special lady. I'm so glad I got to know her while working at GTE. It's hard to make sense of it all. Warmest wishes to her family.

Toni Spears

September 9, 2009

I am another GTE/GD old-timer (30 years). I didn't get to know Cathy very well as our work paths didn't cross until end of 2006. News of the extent of her illness was a shock to all. She was very courageous in her battle and an inspiration in her quiet strength over the past years. May you find peace in loving memories of Cathy, and may the Lord be close to you during all the sad times ahead.

Stephanie Hinshaw

September 9, 2009

Z-Man, I was so sorry to hear about Cathy. My thoughts are with you and Angela. Take care. Stephanie Hinshaw

Monica Shinn

September 9, 2009

While I didn't know Cathy very well at GD, I used to run into her in the Graphics/ Print Shop area visiting Marcia Vierra, Ray Arnold and Tita Garcia.

I am thankful for the strength that she exhibited during her health battle....she was a definite inspiration to everyone. My prayers now go out to her entire family and dear friends who have truly been "the wind beneath her wings".

God bless you all.

September 9, 2009

My dear friend, Mama Z. You have been a light in my life. Your memory will live on in your amazing daughter, beautiful Mama, your incredible husband, your oldest friend Debbie Rose and your dedicated and loving family, especially your brothers. Thank you for all your personal support to me as a best friend, sister and Mama. You have been a blessing to many of the alumni from St. Clare school. Your tenacious work ethic, enthusiasm and heartfelt donations from typing up report cards for years, designing flyers and coordinating printing for special events and your tireless efforts at the yearly festivals. You will live on in our hearts forever. The four muskateers; Cathy, Hopie, Therese and Jodee. We are blessed to have had you in our life. God bless you my very special friend. Fly with the angels.

Much love, Jodee Coelho

Barbara Jones

September 9, 2009

Mike and Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours. She was a special lady and always will be, I am so glad that our lives crossed.God Bless each and everyone, our prayers will be with you now and always.
Love in Christ,
Bob and Barbara Jones

Julie Roth

September 9, 2009

Dear Silva and Zaretzka Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. Her character was such an inspiration and she touched so many people who loved and admired her tremendously. We traveled together often for work and it was always such fun in spite of the hard work (the girl could spot a typo from across the room) but she always found the time to mix in a little adventure a.k.a. shopping. We shopped, we dined, and we shopped some more. And if there was a Christmas shop anywhere in the vicinity, heaven help us; well let’s just say we shopped!

When I think of Cathy, even now, I smile. Your family has lost a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother far too soon but I hope in time your memories of good times will make you smile as well. We will carry her in our hearts always.

Wishing you God’s peace.

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