Ruth Charlene Catanzarite

Charlene Catanzarite, a beloved figure in South Bend, passed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on December 29, 1929, in Mishawaka, she grew up under the loving care of her parents, Walter E. and Clara (Weixler) Parmley. Tragically, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Walt Jr., and all of them.
Charlene's educational journey began at Thomas Jefferson Grade School, where she excelled academically. She later graduated from John Adams High School in 1947. It was during this time that she met her soulmate, Domenick Catanzarite, and they were married on October 23, 1948. Their union blessed them with five children: Jim (Elaine), Bob (Carol), Don (Diann), Christine, and David (Mary). They also had six grandchildren: Matthew, Allison, Michael, Nick, Luke, and Melissa, as well as three great grandchildren: Emery, Domenick Wallace, and Chloe Colf.
Charlene's career took off when she joined the University of Notre Dame in 1947, where she spent 20 fulfilling years working with people she cherished. After retiring in 1992, she and Domenick embarked on several trips to Australia to meet Domenick's family. They also spent many winters on South Padre Island with close friends and later spent several winters in Tucson, Arizona, with her son Jim and his wife Elaine.
After the passing of her beloved Domenick, Charlene spent her final years at home, tending to her household with pride, reading novels, and engaging in crossword puzzles. She enjoyed having gin and tonics on the front porch with family and neighbors. She was surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, providing her with unwavering support and companionship during her time on earth.
Charlene provided her family with a loving, nurturing, stable, and safe home where they could grow. She instilled in her children the values of respect, hard work, faith, discipline, and unwavering love and kindness towards others. Her children were raised to stand independent and strong, encouraging them to work hard for whatever life they choose, always leading by example. These values are now being passed down to an ever increasing family. Those who knew her will be forever grateful for her diligence, patience, sacrifice, and love. She could not have lived a more full and consequential life.
Visitation for Charlene will be held from 10 am to 11 am on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Church-South Bend, located at 226 N. Hill St. South Bend. A mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 am. Internment will take place at a later date at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlene's name may be made to the St. Joseph Co. Humane Society, the Center for Hospice Care, or St. Joseph Church-South Bend.
Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to be caring for the family.
Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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