Carmen Galvan "Cati" Ickert

Carmen "Cati" Galvan Ickert, 84, passed away peacefully in her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on October 12, 2025.
Born on May 31, 1941, in Bornos, Spain, Carmen was the daughter of the late Ana Real and Jose Galvan. In 1967, she immigrated to the United States, where she built a life rooted in love, strength, and family.
Carmen will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Lisa Gilbert (husband Steve), and her son Marc Ickert (wife Jennifer). She was a proud and devoted Abuelita to Eva Elisabeth and Lily Grace Ickert. She is also survived by her sister Ana Maria Shrieves, her brother Paco Galvan Real and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Carmen had a passion for life and a warmth that touched everyone she met. She found joy in her garden, cherished games of bingo, prioritized staying active, and cooked amazing meals for everyone. She was the life of the party. Carmen was always friendly and open to talking to people, sharing stories about her family with everyone she met. Always willing to lend a helping hand, she would help anyone no matter the cost. Her strength, tenacity and hard work allowed her to raise her two children on her own. Her vibrant spirit and her playful sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Carmen by donating to March of Dimes in her memory.
"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'" (Matthew 11:28) NLT