Catherine E. "Cathy" Donati, 76, of Bethlehem passed away peacefully Thursday surrounded by her daughters and brother.
Her passing occurred on the exact same day as her sister, Barbara, passed in 2015.
Born in Freeland, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Katherine (Kushmeider) Banyas. Cathy was a graduate of Foster Twp. High School and went on to attend Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Class of 1964. She attended DeSales University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in the university's first nursing class. She also earned her master's degrees from the University of Scranton and University of Pennsylvania. Cathy worked as a nurse for over 58 years and as a nurse practitioner for more than 40 years until retiring in 2020.
She was an amazing cook, enjoyed traveling, Broadway theatre, arts, music and was an avid reader and gardener. She was a friend to many and was always around to lend a helping hand.
Cathy was a lifelong caregiver and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of those who provided care to her throughout her journey: LVHN Oncology, Infusion Center and Hospice, as well as her many friends, family and especially her neighbors at The Court.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julianne DiCicco and her husband, Anthony, Bethlehem; and Michele Donati, Hoboken, N.J.; granddaughter, Ava; brother, John "Jack" Banyas; and aunt, Alice Zurko, both of Freeland; uncle, Paul; and aunt, Jean Kushmeider, Ashburn, Va.; and nephews, Donnie and Joey McKinley and their families.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass Thursday at the church. Due to COVID-19, we ask that attendees wear a mask.
A gravesite burial service, conducted by the Rev. Michael Kloton, of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church of Freeland, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Calvary Cemetery, 49 S. Hunter Highway, Drums.
A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmi
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of your time, give blood, volunteer, cook a friend a meal and help your neighbors. Also, you may choose to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in her honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home - Bethlehem.
Jonelle (Gill) Yonak
March 13, 2022
Dear Julianne and Family,
My condolences to you and your family for your loss.  It's been quite a few years that I saw your mom last, so it was quite shocking to have read the news.  Your mom was always so vibrant.  We used to love hearing all of her stories and travel experiences when she'd come into Stravino's. She especially loved talking about her daughters and granddaughter. 
Thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Arnette Odenwelder Hams
March 3, 2022
I worked with Cathy at LVHN in the mid 1990´s. She was a dedicated nurse practitioner and dear friend. We leaned we had another connection, when she lived in Whitehall my father was her mailman. She told me he was a wonderful person. Over the years I would run into her at Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg. She always had time to talk and ask about my parents. She was a dedicated nurse and loved her family . God Bless you all.
Lori Keller
March 1, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Cathy and eventually calling her a friend ! Cathy will always be remembered for her funny wit, kind heart and her love of family, friends and her patients. Every time I would tell her there was patient there without an appointment she was more than willing to see them. She is the most sincerest person Ive known. We will miss you Cathy !
lvh employee
March 1, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Rita Spinelli
February 28, 2022
I spent time with Cathy along with Marion. I enjoyed our days at Christkindlmarkt and lunches at the Bethlehem hotel. Cathy was a truly nice person. My thoughts are with her family.
Theresa Miorelli
February 28, 2022
My heartfelt sympathies to Cathy´s family. I was fortunate to have worked w/ Cathy for many years in PAT. She had the biggest heart! Loved hearing about all her adventures. She´s on her best one yet. RIP Cathy! You´ll be missed by many.
Janice Mayer
February 27, 2022
I am sorry to see that Cathi has passed. She was a great nurse and I enjoyed working with her over the years
Andrea Schellenberg Md
February 27, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that the community has lost one it´s best. She has touched the hearts of so many. I wish you all peace.
Maggie & Carl
February 26, 2022
Cathi was a very gifted, encouraging, a great sense of humor, and breath of fresh air as a CRNP and neighbor. Our prayers go out for Cathi and family. Maggie and Carl.
John Lang
February 26, 2022
Cathy was a true pleasure to work with and was always held in the highest esteem by all who had contact with her.
Analesa
February 26, 2022
Cathy was a great lady. I loved to hear about her many travels. She always had a smile on her face. I will truly miss you. Happy to know you are in a better place.
Margaret Gergar
February 26, 2022
I had the great fortune of meeting Cathi when I was a new RN in the Intensive Care Unit. She was so welcoming and encouraging. I also had been friends with Cathi for many years after and thoroughly enjoyed her company and her bright outgoing sense of humor and bright personality. She was also so very kind to her patients and very comforting and professional when caring for her patients.

Michele RN - LVHN
February 26, 2022
Cathy was a gifted nurse....She was a joy....A nurse who truly loved her work & relished her patients....Always willing to learn more & teach those around her....She was admired by many....She was a valued person with a kind heart. Cathy was a nurse friend who will be missed. I will forever keep her in my heart.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Cantelmi Long Funeral Home - Bethlehem500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

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