Cathy DeCaterina

Cathy DeCaterina Cathy DeCaterina (Catherine Wayne Fleenor) passed away Dec. 15, 2012, at the age of 86, from natural causes. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Frank DeCaterina; her three children, Frank DeCaterina, Diane Fair and Lynn DeCaterina; her three grandchildren, Kerry Fair, Trevor Fair and Bryan DeCaterina; and her great-granddaughter, Onnaley Fair. She was born April 25, 1926, to Claude Morton Fleenor, 1890to 1965, and Ethel McFadden Fleenor, 1888 to 1979, and was raised in Bristol, Tenn., with her three older sisters, Christine, Gaynelle and Leone. Cathy attended Tennessee High School, Sullins College and Juilliard School in New York to study classical voice and opera. She found she had a passion for the contemporary style of music and later, under the stage name of "Cathy Randall", performed in night clubs and theatres from Canada to Florida. At one such performance, she met and later married Frank DeCaterina, a Master Diver in the U.S. Navy. Frank and Cathy returned to Bristol, Tenn., where she started a kindergarten in their basement. She later headed up the preschool department of the Episcopal Day School, where she began after-school drama classes. This was the beginning of the legacy that is now known as Theater Bristol, the oldest community children's theatre in the state of Tennessee. In 1983, Cathy was instrumental in the rescue and rebuild of a neglected Bristol iconic landmark, the Paramount Theatre. Through her dedication, determination and vision, she spearheaded government grants matched by the generous local donations and support. Cathy enjoyed performing, volunteering, and serving on various councils for the Arts. She is the recipient of the 2009 Mayors Award of Distinction, a Senate Joint Resolution honor and commendation, and a similar honor in 2007 by the Tennessee Arts Commission. Cathy received a special recognition for a lifetime of service to the community commemorated with a bronze plaque on State Street that greets visitors to Theatre Bristol. She is also honored with the "Spotlight" recognition by the Paramount Center for the Arts, as well as Finalist distinctions in 1992 and 1994 for the YWCA's Tribute to Women in the area of arts and education. Cathy possessed a unique gift: the ability to motivate, inspire and instill confidence, poise, and creativity in those she touched. From the actors she directed to the millions of children and adults who attended, Theater Bristol is an invaluable contribution and creative outlet of live theater that was Cathy's pride and joy. Of all her contributions and accomplishments to the community, none were as great or as appreciated as the love, joy, support, devotion and inspiration she shared with her immediate family. Special thanks go to Wellmont Hospice and her devoted caregivers, Kelly McMurray and Sue Smith. The family will conducting a private memorial and request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Theatre Bristol for the Cathy DeCaterina Theater-for-Children Legacy Fund, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN (423) 989-4800 is serving the DeCaterina family.