She was born to Nina and the late Thomas Heath on June 29th, 1956 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Hampton Roads in 1985. She earned a BS in Psychology from Christopher Newport University, an MA in Education from Christopher Newport University and started doctoral work in education at William and Mary.
Cathy prided herself in being a strong single parent of three children making sure they wanted for nothing despite hard financial straits. Anyone who knew Cathy knew she was 100% dedicated to her three children. Ever a natural teacher, she taught in various Hampton Roads Elementary Schools from 2002 and Sunday School at Chestnut Memorial UMC.
Cathy is survived by her mother, Nina Heath; twin brother, John Heath; sons, Patrick Thornton of Newport News and Thomas Thornton of Hakodate, Japan; her daughter, Dr. Adria Markowski of Hampton; her newly born granddaughter, Demetria Elizabeth Markowski; and her loving children-in-law, Jueveyln, Miyako, and David.
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244, Attention: Development Department.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Monday, April 22 at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, at Chestnut United Methodist Church in Newport News. Entombment will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 24 at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.
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