Catherine Volk Schmidt

Catherine Volk Schmidt, 83, passed away on Sept. 5, 2024, at her home in Ashburn, VA. She was born Jan. 17, 1941, in Jeannette, PA, to Catherine Marian Combetti and Sylvester Rudolph Volk. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Volk; and sister, Alice Stein. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, David; her children, David Schmidt, Jr. (Kathleen) of Arlington Heights, IL, and Kristine Rein (Mark) of Clifton, VA; and cherished granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Kelsey Schmidt of Arlington Heights, IL. She graduated from Robert Morris College in 1959 and worked as an executive secretary at Gulf Oil in Pittsburgh and later as a faculty secretary at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg until her retirement in 2004. She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. After retirement, Cathy and Dave moved to Gainesville, VA, where they made many new friends and memories but also kept dear to their hearts the family and friends they left behind in Greensburg. Cathy's pride and joy were her kids and grandkids, and her granddogs, Duncan and Daisy. She loved life and was known for her unrelenting smile and positive attitude. Her infectious laugh made her the most fun person to be near at a party. She loved watching football (especially the Steelers and the Fighting Irish), was a voracious reader, and her cinnamon bread and rum cakes were legendary. She was a kind and gentle soul, and the world is a little worse off today without her in it. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.