CLAYTON - Catherine Ann Gruver passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving, dedicated family on Oct. 11, 2013. Kate was born in Wyoming, Pa. on Oct. 31, 1925, the daughter of Michael and Susan Litman. She married Charles Gruver on Christmas Day, 1946. They moved to Newark, Del. in 1952 where they lived, worked and raised their family until their retirement to Sarasota, Fla. Not one to rest, Kate began the second chapter of her life as an LPN and loved her work caring for others. She continued down this path, until an untimely stroke in 1985. Through sheer will and determination she reinvented her life, discovering a hidden talent, painting. This passion brought joy to her friends and family where her gift of perseverance was on full display for all to see. Her virtues of love, strength and courage are her legacy to her loved ones. Kate is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Cathy Nacrelli with whom she lived; son, Charles Gruver, III and his fiancé, Victoria Leon of Hockessin, Del.; grandchildren, Kristen McGinnis (Joe), Michael Hunt (Kristen), Sarah Gruver, Zachary Gruver and Renee Nacrelli; her great-grandchildren, Zoe Kayte, Derek Marley and Malia Brittingham, Noah McGinnis and Ashra Hunt; brother, Michael Litman; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by one brother; five sisters; and her beloved bichon, Lucy. A Celebration of Kate's life will be held at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St. Smyrna, DE. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Kate's name to Day Break at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE 19904 or Seasons Hospice at 220 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713. To send a condolence letter, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com.