Catherine Elizabeth Cesaro

Catherine Elizabeth Cesaro (1962 - 2024)
Catherine Elizabeth Cesaro passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024 surrounded by her family and friends. She was 62 years old. Catherine was born in Seattle, Washington on July 22nd, 1962 to John and Doris Gough. She attended grade school at Assumption St. Bridget, graduated from Holy Names Academy High School, and then went on to receive her undergraduate degree at Central Washington University. Catherine's career goal was to become a veterinarian, in line with her love of animals. Life had different plans for her. While working to create the vet tech program as Bellingham Technical College, Catherine discovered a passion for writing and deep enjoyment for teaching. This discovery led her to change direction and pursue her Masters Degree in Higher Education from Western Washington University. Once completed, she found a role in employee relations and corporate development, the career she was born to do.
Catherine had an incredible passion for life, driven by a love of travel and a commitment to advocating for the underserved and unheard. Her curiosity and enthusiasm were both inspiring and contagious, and she fiercely championed the people and causes she cared about. Once Catherine set her mind to something, nothing could stand in her way. She also was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose loyalty and love were unwavering. Her infectious laughter and warm embraces will be profoundly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Catherine is survived by her husband Wayne Cesaro, her daughter Christina Minerich, her step-son Jesse Cesaro, her son-in-law Adrian Valencia, and her grandchildren Olivia and Remy, who were the light of her life.
A celebration of life will be held for Catherine on Whidbey Island in May of 2025 for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to HOPE Therapeutic Riding Program in Langley, WA in which Catherine was deeply passionate about and an involved board member.