Catherine Drew Baranski

Catherine’s life was devoted to taking care of those who suffered with cancer. After graduating as a licensed practical nurse from Atlantic Vocational College in 1980, she worked at North Ridge Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale in oncology. She continued her education and went on to receive her Associate Science in Nursing at Broward College in 1982. A few years later, she began work at the private oncology practice of Dr. Leonard J. Seigel, where she gained the love and respect of her colleagues and her patients. After 14 years working with Dr. Seigel, Catherine made a change of direction and created Infinite Health and Wellness, a Chiropractic group. Although Catherine enjoyed the change of helping people maintain their health rather than overcoming sickness, she was drawn back to her passion and eventually rejoined the world of oncology in 2004 at Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Center. Over the next few years, Catherine worked at Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton, Cancer Center of South Florida in West Palm Beach, and finally Florida Cancer Specialists in Bonita Springs up to the time of her passing. During that time, she continued her education by receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Jacksonville University and earned her Master of Science Nurse Practitioner degree from Kaplan University. She was recognized as a finalist from Cure Magazine for an Excellence in Practice Award and was nominated for the Lane W. Adams Award. She was a Survivorship Volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Over the 40 years that Catherine dedicated her life to nursing and oncology, she poured her heart and soul into making her patients feel safe and cared for during a difficult time in their lives. She maintained her uplifting and hopeful outlook when she received her own diagnosis. Never once did she show fear, but determination and bravery to the very end.

In addition to being a devoted nurse, Catherine was an extremely talented performer and singer. In her early years, she performed in numerous plays and musicals. Together with her husband, they created a Vegas style group called the Stargazers, who performed throughout South Florida for over 14 years. Catherine sang at her church for several years until she moved from the area. Singing was always a part of her soul. Her beautiful voice blessed many events throughout her life.

Catherine’s joy in life was not only her work. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a proud grandmother. She made everyone around her feel like family. Catherine is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ronald Baranski; daughter, Kristen Caldeyro and her husband John Raymond Caldeyro; granddaughter, Elaina Rae Caldeyro; mother and stepfather, Barbara and Dale Crigler; sisters, Allison Sewrey, Julia Hemms, Kaye Schoendling, Cassilda McReynolds, and Hilary Davis; brothers, Raymond Hemms and Derek Hemms; aunts and uncles, Carol and Bill Huttner, John Ziehlsdorff, and Jack Dawson; cousins, Debbie Poynter, John Dawson, Joann Vanderputten; nieces, Nicole Behm, Erica Walecka, and Christine Harmon.

Catherine is preceded in death by her father, Paul Schoneman; stepfather, Raymond Hemms; grandparents, Winifred “Mimi” Bolle, Reverend Carl Bolle, Jane Bolle, Ed and Florence Schoneman; mother-in-law, Bertha Banakus; aunt, Josephine Dawson; uncle, David Bolle; and cousin, Diane Johnson.

A memorial service is scheduled at Forest Lawn Funeral Home South on Saturday, April 17th from 12-2 PM followed by a reception from 2:30-4:30 PM. Due to COVID restrictions, the service and reception are INVITATION ONLY at this time. Please contact a family member if you have not received an invitation and wish to attend. If restrictions change or are lifted before the service, adjustments will be made to accommodate others. The service will be live streamed on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page link. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home using the link provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation in Catherine’s name by going to Glioblastomafoundation.org.