Cathy Garten

GARTEN, Cathy (nee: Gerber). November 23, 2025. Age 69. Beloved wife of the late James. Loving mother of Cheryl Rutkowski (Brian), Nicole Serraiocco (Carlo), Bryan Garten (Crissy), and the late Lisa Coon (Mike). Proud and loving Oma/Grandma of Melissa (Chase), Shelby (Anthony), Derek (Diana), Melanie, Madison, Bryanna, Carmela, Liliana, Luca, Mikayla, and Olivia and great-grandmother of Blaire, Riley, Abigail, John, James, Levi, Natalia, Michael, and Morley. Dear daughter of Theresa and the late Adam Gerber and sister of Marion Catanzaro (Mike), Sandy Trahan, and Adam Gerber. Cathy is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins.

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our Cathy, a woman whose generosity, humor, and fierce spirit shaped our lives in ways we will carry forever. To know her was to be cared for. She gave constantly and instinctively, even when she didn't have much herself. She always found a way to offer something, whether it was a meal, a tiny gift she saved just for you, or a trinket she thought might make you smile. Her giving came from her heart and from a deep desire to make the people around her feel valued and loved.

Caring for others was simply who she was. As a home caregiver, she provided comfort and dignity to so many during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. But she didn't limit that compassion to her work. If someone needed help, she showed up. If someone needed company, she sat beside them. If someone needed to feel seen, she somehow always knew, and she had this effortless way of making them feel understood.

Her love extended to animals too. They were drawn to her in the same way people were. She welcomed every pet with open arms and believed deeply in protecting and nurturing many dogs and cats that needed a home. She even recently considered adopting a senior cat so she could give it the best final years possible.

Anyone who knew her also knew the joy she carried. She was funny, a little goofy, and full of her playful humor that could instantly brighten a room. She never took herself too seriously. Even when life was heavy, she found a way to bring a bit of light into it. That was one of her gifts.

She was a warrior. She faced 2 cancers with inspiring determination and resilience and won. She fought with courage, grace, and a stubborn hope that inspired the people around her.

What we will miss most is the way she made us feel. She had a rare ability to make people feel cherished, understood, and held. She never missed a chance to tell people how proud she was of them. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and quiet strength that will stay with us always.

She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in every kindness we give, every laugh we share, and every moment we choose to love the way she did. She changed every life she touched for the better.

Visitation Sunday 3-8:30pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile) Sterling Heights. Instate Monday 9am until time of 9:30am Mass at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd. (E. of Dodge Park), Sterling Heights. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com.