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Cathy M. DOVIN

Cathy DOVIN Obituary

DOVIN, Cathy M.

81, was welcomed into heaven by angels with open arms April 19, 2017. She is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Marguerite Krause; sisters, Marguerite Johnson and Patricia Krause and her beloved dog Sugar.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of over 60 years, Jimmy Dovin; sons, JM (Lorrie) Dovin and Barry (Lisa) Dovin; daughter, Trish Matadobra (Eddie Filho); grandchildren, Savana (Johnathan) Childress and Michael Dovin, Andrew and Rachel Dovin, Shannon (Russell) Bolin-Elfers and Ste-J (Kari) Matadobra (father Steve Matadobra); great-grandchildren, Olivia and Wyatt Bolin-Elfers.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Oconomowoc, WI. She graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1954 and enlisted in the US Army Women's Army Corps in Sept. 1954. She attained the rank of Specialist 3rd Class while serving in the Pentagon as a teletype operator until Dec. 1956.

While in Washington DC, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Dovin, a USAF serviceman. They were married Nov. 17, 1956 and she was a supportive military wife for 20 years, serving in France, Colorado, Hawaii, and Florida.

Brandon, FL was home for 44 years where she raised her family. She was a member of Nativity Catholic Church and served as President of the Homemakers Club. She and Jimmy enjoyed the life of travel, sailing on 40+ cruises taking numerous journeys around the world, often accompanied by their adventurous daughter, Trish. Lifelong memories were created each time the entire family gathered.

Cathy was a person of strong spiritual faith and combined with the loving care provided by her devoted husband, conquered an overwhelming amount of health challenges. Through those challenges she never complained; she was our saint, devoted and loving Wife, Mom, Mimi, Aunt, and friend. She often talked of her vision of being drawn into the bright light on her journey to heaven. That day finally came; Cathy saw the bright light and began the journey while tears of joy ran down her face.

Cathy's wishes are to return to the place where her family life started and have a celebration of life ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery during the Cherry Blossom Season in 2018.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Apr. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Cathy DOVIN

19 Entries

Art & Tammy

April 24, 2025

Remembering you today.

Tammy Johnson

April 24, 2021

You are so missed.

Donna Poe

April 24, 2020

Mrs Dovin's presence is missed so much..i remember one day visiting Patsy and remember how concerned Mrs Dovin was about her appearance. I think Retinol was a prescription back then. .I thought she was already beautiful ..

May 6, 2017

Mr. Dovin, Trish, Eddie, Shannon, Ste-Jay, Steve and the entire Dovin family. I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. When I think of Melville Military Housing..the first thought that comes to mind is the day I met my friend Trish, who stood by me..supporting me during my toughest times. I felt the kind warmth of friendship the minute I met you and Mrs. Dovin as I did when I met Trish the first time. I remember your visits to Newport..I could see the strong bond of love and family. Mrs. Dovin legacy lives on through each and every person's life she touched...I know she touched mine.

Theresa
Rhode Island

Robin Clemente

May 4, 2017

I didn't know your beloved wife but she must have been an incredible person. My prayers are with you and the family.

May 4, 2017

To Patricia and the Dovin family. My deepest sympathies for your loss.

With kind love from Hawai'i,
Kayla Svelling

Susan Osterlund

May 3, 2017

Mr. Dovin, JM, Barry and Patsy. I have such great memories of growing up in Brandon with your Mom. She always looked out for us and was so wonderful. Please know that we are praying for your family as you navigate this sorrowful time in your lives. She is in my heart forever

Pamela Spell

May 3, 2017

Mrs. Dovin was always in my eyes, an Angel.
Her House was BEAUTIFUL, just like her.
I Always Admired how everything in their house was in its place & so Beautiful. My favorite was the room that was all Blue, & all the Beautiful Dolls she had. She always was so Proud of her home. I looked at as a True Show place.
We lived across the street from the Dovins, for many years. My favorite memories are of the Dovins & our neighborhood. Mrs.Dovin would always call over to our house & say Patsy get home for dinner, or do you live over there now. Mr & Mrs. Dovin would come over & play pool in our garage, which meant Patsy would get to spend the night. Slumber Party.
Sometimes, I think Cathy thought, Patsy did move in with us. Those were the good Ole days.

Mr. Dovin, no words will take away your pain.
My heart aches for your loss. You took care of her, like no-one I know would or could. I Admire you like no other. You are a rock . The next days, weeks, months will not get easier. You must keep your Love alive in her memory. I know she would want you to Smile, laugh, play with your grand kids, for they are all still here, and NEED you. They need you now more than ever. And you really need them now, too.
She is with the Angels now, take comfort that she is in good hands. She will be with you everyday, holding you tight. Don't forget that.
My heart goes out to Patsy, JM & Barry.
I Love you all like Family.
My thoughts & prayers will remain to go out to you all.
And all extended family, my prayers to you too.

Cindy Calhoun

May 3, 2017

To all who feel the pain of her being gone, know you are in our prayers and feel the virtual hugs from us.

Lorrie Dovin

May 1, 2017

I am lucky to say that for the last 35 years she has loved me in the special way that not all mother in laws do. She made me always feel welcome and would give me extra special encouragement that most aren't aware of. She knew her son JM (Jim) and I would marry before we did. She had a great 6th sense that was sometimes a little scary (#ESP). She frequently knew things were going to happen and it was hard to keep a secret from her, she knew. Our family have so many great memories with Mom and Dad, Mimi and Papa. We love them both dearly and will miss Mom greatly. We will now have to find a way to live without her being with us. Loving her Forever and Always!

Donna Poe

May 1, 2017

Pasty, and the entire Dovin family. Mr. Dovin I can certainly identify with the loss of your life long loving wife. When you are looking at pictures you will turn to tell her "that was fun" and It will take you a second to realize she is not there. It is not going to be easy but with the loving support of your family you will get through this.... only because we have no choice. Try to get outside as much as possible. JM, Barry, and Patsy, unfortunately I can totally relate to your pain. There will be so many times you will pick up the phone to call her before remembering she is not going to answer. Shannon Rose and Ste J I can also feel your hearts breaking too. For you there will be things you or your children do that reminds you of your Mimi... it will make you smile, sad and then you will smile again. End with a smile or a giggle if possible. There are absolutely NO words that will ease your pain. NOT ONE!!! so I will end saying I am so happy I shared a small portion of Mrs. Dovin' s life with you...all of her family and friends. This next year is the worst then after that all the years will be tough. I love you all...this is one of my favorite families ever!!

May 1, 2017

To the whole Dovin family, my sincere regrets. I know life will be difficult without her, but she will be waiting in the wings to welcome all...a very special women.

Tammy Johnson

May 1, 2017

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used. Put no difference into your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be the household name it always was. Let it be spoken without the shadow of a ghost in it. Life means all that it every meant. It is the same as it ever was. What is death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul's Cathedral

Darell Gelakoska

May 1, 2017

May God bless Cathy and your family! Hugs to all!

Kris Barber

May 1, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this dear woman!

Mike Whiteman

April 30, 2017

Mr Dovin, Jim, Barry, and Trish I am so sorry for your loss your mom was my second mom. She is and was so very special and God has a very awesome lady by his side. An Angel that has brought joy and happiness to every one. She will be missed.

April 30, 2017

I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:1, 2) sustain your family during this challenging time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

Art Johnson

April 30, 2017

Aunt Cathy you will be missed. <3

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