Catherine Ann Gooch

Catherine (Cathy) Ann Gooch, 59, departed her earthly home one early morning for her eternal and everlasting home with Jesus after a long and courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme (brain cancer). Despite the daily memory, cognitive, mobility, and emotional challenges she faced, her core remained unchanged. She was steadfast in her faith in Jesus, always thought of others first, expressed gratitude for even the smallest acts of kindness, strived to be helpful, and was unfailingly kind. Her heart remained full of love for her family and friends. She joyfully welcomed the many visitors who came to see her and continued to travel to visit loved ones despite her condition.

Cathy and her husband of 33 years, Curt, were high school sweethearts. They relocated to the Ithaca, New York area from their home in Maryland after being married for 6 years. They have three adult daughters whom they cherish and are deeply proud of. Jada Marie Gooch earned a Bachelor of Occupational Science and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, both from Ithaca College, where Catherine selflessly served for 24 years. Catherine’s work at Ithaca College and in the greater Ithaca community resulted in life-changing impacts for thousands of college students and community members. She was the Director of the Center for Life Skills—a stroke rehabilitation program for which she was widely known—and Jada participated in the program for two years. Jada currently works as a traveling licensed Occupational Therapist in trauma hospitals and intensive care units.

Jenna Booth also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College in Integrated Marketing and Communications. She works remotely as a Sales Executive for a Boston-based company and lives with her husband of one year, Matthew, in Hellertown, PA. Tennessee Gooch is in her third year of nursing school at Randolph-Macon College, where she plays intercollegiate volleyball. Her career plans include working after graduation in a level one trauma center as preparation for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Cathy inspired her daughters—along with the countless IC students she taught, advised, and mentored—to follow their dreams. Becky Boone of Edmore, Michigan, captured Catherine’s impacts in the painting “A Tribute to Catherine’s Legacy at Ithaca College”.

In addition to being a wonderful and ever-supportive mother, Cathy is remembered by her daughters for many special qualities. She was a strong advocate for people with disabilities, much of which stemmed from growing up with her sister Denise of Eldersburg, Maryland, who has physical and cognitive disabilities. Cathy was a devoted sister to Denise, and is also survived by her two brothers, Theodore (Joanne) Geppert and Carl (Wendy) Geppert of Eldersburg and Granite, Maryland, respectively. Cathy made every holiday memorable by decorating her home, preparing special meals, and especially through her baking - most notably her apple pie and decorative cakes. Cathy and Curt loved hosting friends for BBQs, Christmas parties, and simple homemade meals.

Cathy was a strong advocate for pursuing leisure activities and practiced what she preached. She enjoyed exercising, eating healthily, and spending time at the beach. In the early 2000s, she was a competitive triathlete, having taught herself the skills needed for open-water swimming.

A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Groton Assembly of God Church, 701 S. Main St., Groton, NY 13073. The family will welcome friends from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m., with the service immediately following. Refreshments will be served afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Adding Candles, PO Box 10717, Rochester, NY 14610, in Catherine Gooch’s name. Adding Candles supports research doctors at the University of Rochester who cared for Cathy.