Cathy Lynn Lalush

Cathy Lynn Lalush was born on August 26, 1954, the eldest child of B. William Lalush and Helen Lalush (Kloskowski). She grew up in Maryland outside of Washington, D.C., where she was schooled at Ursuline Academy (now The Woods Academy) and the Academy of the Holy Child. After achieving a Bachelor's in Psychology from Duke University, she embarked upon a long and distinguished career in the emerging field of information technology. She worked as a software systems architect for many years, most recently at Leidos.

Cathy always wholeheartedly devoted herself to her children's welfare, whether it was volunteering as a playground monitor, serving on a high school All Night Grad Party committee, or organizing storied birthday parties and beach trips. In later years, that devotion extended to her grandchildren, who remember her fondly as "Cici." She delighted in them, heartily enjoying reading them stories, collaborating with them on art projects, and playing dress-up right alongside them.

A full accounting of Cathy's interests would fill volumes, but she could reliably be found swimming, taking long walks, beautifying landscapes with extensive gardening or perfecting domestic spaces with graceful interior decorating.

Cathy is survived by her aunt, Helen Misiura; her brothers, Robert and David Lalush; her children, David Frederick Ellrod and Karen Elizabeth Long, along with their spouses Julia and Justin; and her grandchildren: Jeanette, Leanora, Teresa, Bridgette, and the expected Joseph Long and Baby Ellrod. They will greatly miss her - but will recall and carry forward her earthly legacy, even as they pray for her reception into the communion of saints.