Catherine Anna Wilder

Catherine Anna White-Wilder passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 in her residence in El Cajon at the age of 100. She was known as "Kay" to many dear friends and family members. Kay was born on November 6, 1917 in Trenton, New Jersey and moved with her family to Cincinnati, Ohio in her last year of high school.

In 1943, Kay joined the branch of the US Navy known as WAVES and served as a radio operator until 1945. It was during that time, she met and married Richard D. Wilder "Dick." They lived in Southern California and raised four children. After Dick's death in 1978, Kay became a cherished member of the Grossmont Hospital Auxillary for 20 years, logging in over 9000 hours. In 1993, the Spring Valley Rotary Club presented her with the memorable award of "Senior of the Year."

Time spent with her family and gardening were close to Kay's heart. She cherished the visits with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The roses in her front yard were her pride and joy and were admired by many neighbors who stopped to enjoy the beauty and fragrance. One of Kay's favorite sayings that we all remember well was "Take Time to Smell the Roses."

Kay is predeceased by her husband, Richard D. Wilder; her son, Richard C. Wilder, her parents, Clifton and Bessie White; her brother, Robert White; her sister, Gertrude Pohowsky and nieces, Gayle Bell and Yolanda Wilder.

Kay is survived by her children, Bill (Sunnie)Wilder of Concho, Arizona, Margaret Wilder of El Cajon, Cathy (Jim) Van Hill of Show Low, Arizona, and Mary (Jay) Nicholson of Lemon Grove; her sister, Lillian Forry of Anaheim; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The viewing will be held at Erickson-Anderson Mortuary, 8390 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 5pm - 8pm. Rosary to be held at 7pm.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00am at Santa Sophia Catholic Church, 9800 San Juan St., Spring Valley, CA 91977. The burial to follow at El Camino Memorial Park, Veteran's section, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92121 at 11:30 am. A reception and lunch will follow from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Santa Sophia Church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritan-Memory Care Center, 1515 Jamacha Way, El Cajon, CA 92019.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Apreva Hospice of San Diego and the Good Samaritan Retirement Center staff for their support in her final days.