Brenda Todd Cate

Brenda Todd Cate, aged 81, passed away on September 7, 2024, with her children by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Vasa W. Cate, Sr.; her parents, Master Chief Quartermaster William F. 'Fred' Todd, Sr. (QMCM, Retired) and Florrie Bell (Rogers) Todd; her niece, Selena Grace Craig; her in-laws, Lt. Millard N. Cate (SC Law Enforcement Division), Mary Lou Cate, Jean Cate, Mary Linda Cate, and Gary Ann Greer. Brenda is survived by daughters, Kimberly A. Fink (Kelly) of Abilene, KS and Catherine C. Nodar (Jim) of Marietta, GA; and son, Vasa W. Cate, Jr. of Forest Acres, SC; grandsons, Mason D. Fink and Austin T. Fink, both of Abilene, KS; her sisters Janice Robinson, Deborah Hammock, Pam Blish, and Lynn Todd, and her brother William Todd, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Brenda was born on July 26, 1943, in Sandersville, GA, the eldest of six children. Because of her father’s distinguished career in the U.S. Navy during and after WW2, Brenda grew up in a variety of places, including Guam, Honolulu, San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, Charleston, SC, and Key West, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, cuisines, and travel.

While attending Columbia High School in SC, Brenda met her husband, Vasa Cate, and they were married in Key West in the U.S. Naval Chapel on June 14, 1963. While her husband earned his B.S. from the University of South Carolina and M.D. from The Medical University of South Carolina, Brenda worked in advertising at Kmart followed by advertising for the city newspaper. Once their first child was born in 1968, Brenda became a full-time homemaker with several charitable pursuits.

In retirement, Brenda enjoyed visiting her grandchildren in Abilene, Kansas, volunteering, and traveling to Australia, China, England, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Tasmania, and Wales. After moving to The Georgian Lakeside assisted living in Roswell, GA, in 2019, Brenda’s enthusiastic participation in bingo, crafts, singing, and trivia sparked increased involvement from her many friends.

Brenda touched countless lives through small acts of kindness and larger contributions, such as teaching UMC Sunday School and serving as a founding board member of Pawmetto Lifeline no-kill animal shelter, a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Assistant Leader, and an active member and state leader of the SC Medical Association Alliance (SCMAA).

Brenda was beautiful, kind, intelligent, determined, and known for her dedication to her family, generosity, leadership, and commitment to service. She is remembered for her love of gardening, cooking, baking, travel, history, art, and music including her fondness for Spoleto Festival and Charleston, SC.

Brenda is deeply missed by her children, siblings, family, and friends. In keeping with Brenda’s wishes, her close family will celebrate her life and honor her contributions at a private luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pawmetto Lifeline in memory of Brenda Cate.

To offer your condolences and share cherished memories, please visit www.roswellfuneralhome.com