Obituary of Anna Catka

January 28, 1931 – February 21, 2023

Anna P. Catka.  Age 92 of Woodhaven.

Beloved wife of 67 years to the late Jerome Catka.  Loving mother of Cindy (Ted) Marchuck, Linda (Ron) Kirsch, Nancy (Keith) Vyletel, Marie Catka and Marilyn (Jeff) Imber.  Cherished Nana of Ann-Marie (Phil) Gerrity, David (Heather) Marchuck, Lori (Mike) Axtell, Nicole (Jon) DePhillips, Keith (Emily Teceno) Kirsch, Mark Vyletel, Gina Vyletel, Sara Vyletel, Jon (Jillian) Imber and Lindsey Imber.  Loving great-grandma (GG) of Colin, Brynn, Joanna, Gabe, Sam, Nate, Sloane, Eddie, Ruby, Everett, Brooke, Mia, Joslyn and Jackson.  Dog grandma of Lola and Annie and many pups in heaven.  Dearest sister of Frank and Rosemarie.  Anna was preceded in death by her parents; Giuseppe and Vita Criscenti, her siblings; Barney, Joseph, Anthony and Pauline and her grandson David (Julie) Imber.  She will be deeply missed by many loving family and friends.

                                                                       ~~ A Special Message from the Family ~~

Anna’s parents were immigrants from Sicily.  She was the fifth child in a family of seven. She had four brothers and two sisters. All of them preceded her in death except Frank and Rosemarie. Anna’s parents were very strong and hard-working people who instilled those virtues upon their children.  Anna was a 1949 class graduate of Fordson High School.  She met her husband, Jerry, at a friend’s party and it was love at first sight. They met, got engaged, and were married within six months. Jerry passed away one day before their 67th wedding anniversary in October 2021. After his passing, Anna was never the same and always said she wanted to go and be with him.

Anna worked at DeSoto’s as a secretary until 1956 when her first daughter was born. She had four daughters, (Cindy, Linda, Nancy, and Marie), plus Marilyn, who she welcomed and accepted as her own daughter.

Anna was a selfless woman, referred to as a “Saint on Earth” by her family and friends. She truly had the patience of a saint and never wanted any arguments or hard feelings with anyone. She taught her girls to be loving and faith-filled people.

She was an excellent cook and baker. She and her sister made and decorated cakes, (all from scratch) including large wedding cakes. People were always amazed at their beauty.

She also taught her girls to be independent but at the same time, she trained them by her actions. She always put her family ahead of her own needs and wants. Anna sacrificed her time and efforts for the betterment of others. Her husband was also a hard worker and excellent provider; however, this required him to work many long hours and work two, sometimes three jobs to support his family. Anna essentially raised her four girls on her own. She was a very kind, loving, giving, generous and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother (“Nana”), and great-grandmother (“GG”).

She endured so much in her lifespan. She was a cancer survivor of 49 years. She had many surgeries and illnesses in her lifetime and always fought to recover.

Anna would always say, “My door swings open and all are welcome.” She never wanted anyone to spend a holiday alone; always inviting those who would be alone to gather at her table.

As she progressed in years with many physical handicaps and illnesses her girls became her caregivers. She was always grateful for their efforts and appreciated what each daughter did for her. Each of her girls are so proud and grateful that she was their “Mother” and the person who raised them. She was firm but kind always teaching them right from wrong and always made sure they did their best. She never let them down and the girls always knew they had a “Mama” who cared about them, loved them, believed in them, and was always there for them. She was so proud of them and their accomplishments; a Mother’s love is boundless, and she taught her girls the true meaning of a mother’s love and sacrifice.

Anna was a great inspiration to everyone she touched. The joy she brought will never end; though she will be immensely missed we are confident she is in the arms of Jesus and reunited with her husband, Jerry, and those who have gone before her. Her legacy will live on.

We love you, Mom, and know that when we meet again the reunion will be beyond expectations. Thank you for giving us the best life … We Love You More!!!!