Catherine M. Salm

Catherine Madonna Salm, 94, (affectionately known as "Kitty") passed away peacefully on
December 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was predeceased by her husband
Robert and Baby Boy Salm; sons-in-law Larry Casey and Don "Splash" Halcombe.
Catherine is survived by her daughters: Rosemary, Ginny, and Deb (JR); her sons:
Danny (Kim), and Bob (Tammy); her grandchildren: Donnie, Dustin, Shelly, Larry, Jr.
(Ellen), Celeste, Melissa, Jon (Monica), Tim (Carla), Lauren (Drew), Kyla, Turner, Caroline
(Quinton); her great grandchildren: Madison, Hunter, Hadley, Alejandro, Aiden, and Tyler.
Catherine Mulrooney was born on February 13, 1931, on Red Island in
Newfoundland, Canada. In 1951, Catherine met Robert, the love of her life at a dance.
Bob was an American G.I. stationed at Pepperrell Air Force Base in St. John's Canada.
It was love at first sight and they were married in August of that year. They were
together for sixty-five years and had six children.
The military life was difficult, necessitating moving their family eight times. Being a
strong wife and mother, Catherine managed each of these challenges very well. Upon
her husband's retirement from the military, they settled in Maryland. While residing
there, they discovered Ocean City, which became their favorite place to be. They
purchased a townhouse in O.C. where she loved watching the sun set over the water
during her nightly bay walks. When she looked at the horizon from the 9th Street Pier,
the lights reminded her of her home on Red Island. She was proud of her Irish roots and
loved singing classic songs like "Danny Boy" at Shenanigans, a local pub on the
boardwalk.
As a parishioner of Holy Family, she enjoyed taking trips to New York City with the
Knights of Columbus women. She looked forward to trips to a casino where she enjoyed
playing the "one-armed bandit" slot machines. She was known for relishing in the simple
joy of a strong cup of coffee and preparing delicious meals. Her grandchildren still
request her recipes! Her chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and Wearever carrots were
made with her secret ingredients impossible to replicate. Her famous line that will long
be remembered is "just a titch."
They moved to Woodbridge, Virginia in 1989, where they became parishioners at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 30 years. In her later years, she resided at The
Wellington in Gainesville, Virginia. Her resounding and enthusiastic voice, whenever
she sang "Country Roads," will be greatly missed.
Above all, Catherine was a woman of deep faith and devotion. Each night she would
pray "Jesus, I trust in You." Her love of family and abiding belief in God guided her
throughout her life and on her journey home. May God watch over her as we continue to
live in her light and memory.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 10:30-11:00 am at Sacred
Heart Church, 12975 Purcell Road, Manassas, VA followed by the Funeral Mass.
Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at 1:00 pm.
Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org
St. Benedict's Monastery
sisters@csbsju.edu