Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Catherine Martineau Obituary
Catherine B. Martineau, 70, passed away unexpectedly on October 17th, 2024, surrounded by her family. Catherine was a skilled attorney; passionate advocate for women, justice, and the environment; voracious reader; lover of dogs; and beloved spouse, mother, and grandmother.
Catherine was born in Brooklyn and attended the University of Toledo, receiving both her BS and JD from the University. She met her husband, Russ Ely, while at UT, and remained a staunch supporter of the university and its alumni association. After graduating, Catherine spent over 40 years as a patent attorney and was a partner at MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd in Toledo. She was personally and professionally dedicated to mentorship and growth of other women in the legal field and was a founding member of the Toledo and Ohio Women's Bar Associations.
Catherine was a dedicated mom to Douglas and Gregory, raising them to work hard and leave the world a little better than they found it. Among all her accomplishments, her proudest legacy was her children.
Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Merreck. She is survived by her husband, sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and siblings, Walt (Linda), Tricia (Mark) Wagner, Dennis (Dorothy), and Beth White. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Catherine's name to one of several causes she championed throughout her lifetime: the University of Toledo Foundation, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, and Sierra Club. The family will hold a celebration of life in her honor at their home on October 26th.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Martineau
Allison Stern
November 5, 2024
My deepest condolences to Russ and the family. I got to know Cathy as a close Old Orchard neighbor and through our book group for many years. She was a bright light!
Carole Vinson Feintech
October 26, 2024
Russ, Cathy is someone we all looked up to and loved. She was a true sister to us in AOPI. May her memory be for a blessing.
Bonnie (Hassen) DeYoung
October 26, 2024
To all of Cathy´s family...my prayers of healing for the loss of an exceptional person in your life. I met Cathy in 4th thru 8th grades at Little Flower then again during her days at Sears while attending university. She was the type of person you felt honored to call friend. Even after all these years of absence I still feel her inspiration and joy for life. God Bless.
Brian
October 24, 2024
Russ, the pain of losing Cathy will be difficult to understand at times. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you in the days ahead to help ease some of that pain.
Brian & Deb Towns
Tom Bowers
October 22, 2024
Russ,please accept our sincere sympathy.We always looked forward to seeing you and Cathy at U.T. She will be greatly missed ! Tom and Annette
Amy
October 21, 2024
I worked at MST with Catherine. She was always my favorite! My sympathies to the family.
Susan Kubiak
October 21, 2024
Cathy was a sister and beloved friend from our NDA experience. My condolences to her family and friends. I will miss her infectious laughter and smile. May her days be filled in sunshine and puppy kisses!
Lynn Olson
October 20, 2024
RIH dear Prez! Hugs and prayers to Russ and Family. The world has lost a great woman with a heart of roses! Alpha love Cathy... you were truly a rose ever blooming.
Jenny Sahley Conrad
October 20, 2024
Russ, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Cathy. She was always so upbeat and will be missed by many.
Karen Steele
October 20, 2024
Cathy was a sorority sister of Alpha Omicron Pi. I admired her spunk. She will be missed, but her spirit will live on.
Claudia (Liebrecht) Beutler
October 20, 2024
I was fortunate to know Cathy through our shared time at NDA, in Toledo.
Cathy was an example of excellence in those days.
I was saddened by her recent passing, but appreciated all the many good things she accomplished and her desire to make the world a better place.
My deepest condolences to her family. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Bernie Solomon
October 20, 2024
I had the pleasure of "working" with Catherine, for many years with the University of Toledo Alumni Association. My sympathies to Russ and her family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Catherine Martineau's name
Memorial Events
for Catherine Martineau
How to support Catherine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Catherine Martineau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
