Mary Dee Catania

Mary “Dee” Ashley Catania 83, of Benton Harbor formerly of Watervliet, surrounded by her family, passed away when she lost her fight with cancer and her Lord called her home on October 23, 2011. Dee was born on March 17, 1928 in Knobel, AR to Edgar and Delphia Ashley. Her family moved to Benton Harbor when she was nine years old. Dee was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School in 1946. She worked as a waitress at a young age, switchboard operator for Bell Telephone, volunteered as Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Girl Scout/Brownie leader, became a hair dresser in the late 1960’s, was a reporter for the Tri-City Record, and retired in 1997 from the Berrien County Health Department. Dee was a member of the Coloma American Legion Post 362, Coloma United Methodist Church and Creative Artists Guild of Southwestern Michigan. Dee was both an artist and a writer, which four of her poems and literary works were published. She loved flower gardening, crafts, knitting, crocheting, music of all kinds, live theatre, reading, sewing, baking, dancing and singing. She learned to paint later in life. Her largest painting was a lighthouse on her garage door. Dee always wanted to play the guitar. She felt she was the "first" Martha Stewart. Most would remember her by the hats she wore. Dee was a caring, gentle spirit who nurtured her family. She really enjoyed time with family and friends. She is survived by her children, Jim “Allen” (Janice) Catania of Bridgman, Anthony (Patti) Catania of South Haven, Marie Catania of Benton Harbor, Beth (Timothy) Reiter of Auburndale, FL, and Dawn (Gary) Mitchell of Benton Harbor; sister Sandy (Thomas) Billington of Drasco, AR; 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and a grand-daughter. Services celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 29, at Dey-Florin Chapel in St. Joseph. A private burial will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday October 28, at Dey-Florin Chapel in St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Coloma American Legion Post 362, the VFW Post 1137 Benton Harbor or Hospice at Home St. Joseph. Please share memories and photos at www.florin.net.

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Mary Dee Catania

March 17, 1928 - October 23, 2011