Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Catherine (Cathy) Marie Marketto, of Bridgeville, Delaware, peacefully entered the arms of her Lord and Savior on January 31, 2025, at Delaware Hospice after a courageous battle with ALS.
Born on September 18, 1952, in Rochester, New York, Cathy was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Katherine (Kay) Wilhelm. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Science with concentration in Sociology and Psychology from Frostburg State University, dedicating her life to serving others with compassion and grace.
Cathy was a devoted and loving wife to Ralph Marketto, with whom she shared 52 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, joy, and countless adventures, traveling the world and enjoying peaceful drives through the countryside. Her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family.
For 27 years, Cathy served as a patient advocate at Kent General Hospital and Nanticoke Hospital, where her kindness, empathy, and dedication touched countless lives. Beyond her professional work, she was a gifted artist who found joy in painting, drawing, and quilting. Her heart for service extended to her local community, where she volunteered generously, sharing her time and talents.
Cathy’s unwavering faith was the foundation of her life. She exemplified Christ's love in her words and actions, offering kindness, wisdom, and a listening ear to everyone she encountered. Her legacy of faith, love, and selflessness will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her devoted husband Ralph; her three sons, Erik, Aaron, and Jon; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Cathy is also lovingly remembered by her three brothers, three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Kay Wilhelm.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Cross Road Community Church, 20684 State Forest Rd., Georgetown, DE 19947, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Delaware Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cathy’s memory to one of the following:
• ALS Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter
1015 Virginia Drive, Suite 110, Fort
Washington, PA 19034
• Delaware Hospice
100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963
• Salvation Army of Seaford
22318 Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE 19973
Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we rejoice in knowing that Catherine has found eternal peace in the presence of the Lord. Her beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she touched throughout her life.
Please visit Cathy's Life Memorial at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
