Catherine Riley Prentiss
Catherine Riley Prentiss
Obituary
Guest Book
Catherine Prentiss Obituary
Catherine Riley Prentiss, aged 66, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away in the loving presence of her family in Hudson, Florida, on September 8, 2025.
"Cat" was born in Orange, New Jersey in 1959. She moved to Florida in 1981, and married her husband, Karl, in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1988. Cat and Karl relocated to the Tampa area in 1994, where they raised their sons, Stephen and Riley.
Cat's most profound devotion was centered on her role as mother and grandmother, a selfless dedication that came to define her primary purpose in life. Cat never met a stranger; her willingness to comfortably engage with others during even the briefest of encounters exemplified her core belief in the inherent goodness of others. She always put others first with her signature compassion and kindness, regardless of her own needs.
Cat was preceded in death by her stepfather, Fred Peterson, and her father, Thomas Riley. She is survived by her husband, Karl Prentiss; sons Stephen (Emi) Prentiss and Riley Prentiss; grandchildren Tyga Prentiss and Hana Prentiss; her mother, Barbara (Lawrence) Hutson; brother Thomas (Patrice) Riley, and brother Patrick (April) Riley; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Although Cat's physical presence no longer graces our lives, her beautiful spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a treasured blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of unconditional love and compassion toward others in all that we do
A celebration-of-life gathering will be held at a date to be announced. The family kindly asks that donations be made in Cat's memory to the Arthritis Foundation.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Catherine, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Make a Donation
in Catherine Prentiss's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Fred Gordon
November 2, 2025
I remember Cathy with the fondest of memories.As I recall she was a sweet person and I´m glad I had gotten to know her and had a friendship with her.I wish her peace.May she rest in eternal peace.And to her family please accept my condolences on her passing.All The Best to her family and friends.Sincere regards to all that had the pleasure of knowing her.All The Best Fred Gordon
Beth Paulk
November 1, 2025
Karl, Stephen and Riley, I have inadequate words to express the loss Russell and I felt in hearing of Cathy's passing. All my memories of her bring joy. The hours we spent together are some of the best. She was such a nut sometimes...always making us laugh. The marching band, the stadium, the camping, the times spent around a fire...all are precious memories to me. Because we are feeling such heart-break, after all this time, just goes to show you her love still reaches us. She surely was one-of-a-kind. I can literally still hear her laugh like if it were yesterday.
If you were loved by Cathy, you knew love. She will live forever in our hearts. Please know that Russell, Matthew and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of her life.
Mary Wells
October 28, 2025
My 8th grade buddy! Such fun times. American Graffiti, trips to McDonalds, I couldn´t believe you ordered 10 large French fries!! Your large floppy hat, horseback riding and talking about boyfriends. Then you moved and went to school in Highland Park and we drifted apart. Thank God for Facebook where we reconnected. You were one of a kind Cath, I think of you often and you are greatly missed!! Rest in Heavenly Peace
Katie
October 27, 2025
Where do I begin?! She was my second mom, she put up with me and I loved her endlessly. She taught me how to slow down, notice the small things, and enjoy life. She raised two boy who grew up to be amazing men. I still to this day think of her in times when I need parenting advice. She laughed often and loved hard. I hope to be half the mother you were - to everyone on Hound Horn. I will forever regret my Sybil not getting the chance to meet you. I love you and I will make you proud. Always.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Cindy Saloom
October 27, 2025
Cathie,
Thank you for taking this socially awkward kid and getting her through 6th and 7th grade. I will never forget you.
I know you are in Jesus' arms.
Cindy
Karen Lamphere (Crowley)
October 26, 2025
Awww...my friend Cathie...where to begin? I met Cathie when I was 15 or so. She and her mom had recently moved to Highland Park, NJ, and she had just enrolled in our High School. When I first met her I thought, now here is a person who marches to the beat of her own drum...brave, outgoing, funny, and a tad wild. She was a refreshing addition to the somewhat boring environment I was accustomed to. She brought a freedom of spirit that allowed me to embrace my own, and we shared a significant, albeit short period of time together that included a great deal of fun, many moments of listening to our favorite local band - Cloverhill- and dancing to their rendition of "Aimee," the song that would forever be linked to our friendship. I remember many moments of cruising (and racing) in her Z28 Camaro, flying through our hometown streets, and driving down the steep roads of the Watchung Hills when leaving our favorite venue, The Forest Lodge. She was at Newark Airport with me when I left for Air Force Basic Training, and waved farewell to me as our life had now taken its turn into our new beginnings. Time passed, but we reconnected a few years later, when she introduced me to the love of her life, Karl, during s shared visit with our beloved friend, Diane. Life moved on rapidly after that visit, as life always does, but we kept in touch through the years and she shared her life's experiences with me via emails, texts, phone calls, and a very cherished reunion in FL. Cathie loved her family fiercely and that love grew exponentially with the addition of her beloved grand children. My life was deeply enriched by her friendship. Godspeed my dear friend. Thank you for the best of memories.
Kelley
October 26, 2025
My long time friend glad we all got to reunite. May you now rest in eternal peace! Till we meet again
Nancy
October 26, 2025
It's Nancy...Cathie and I met in High School, sitting beside each other waiting to see the vice principal for something we did wrong...we became fast friends. Lost touch, thankfully we found each other on FB. She was the most caring friend, so supportive to me, I just thought we'd get through this together. I think of her every day, I was so blessed to have her as a friend. Until we meet again...love you girl, I'll be forever thankful for your presence in my life.
Amy Volheim
October 26, 2025
Cat was so sweet to me. I was kind of shy joining the Hendricks County Jeep group. She treated me like an old friend and made me feel at ease right away. So much that she even offered me her bucket and noodle if I needed it one long trunk or treat evening. Her smile and laugh were contagious. I told her I would be moving to Florida and she gave me a Tampa Jeep shirt, which I think of her every time I wear it. She also stopped by my work to duck me with a pink shark. My condolences to her loved ones. She will always be a true treasure.
Laureen Stephens
October 26, 2025
I was going through a very difficult time. I posted something on Facebook for prayers and Cat reached out to me privately. I remember I was just driving around to clear my head and she said she would come and meet me, which is exactly what she did. We sat in my car in a parking lot and she just let me cry and talk, cry and then laugh. She helped me through a tough time and I'll never forget that!
Fred Gordon
October 26, 2025
May Cathy´s memory be for a blessing,and may she rest in eternal peace and comfort.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
People and places connected with Catherine
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Catherine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Catherine Prentiss's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
