Catherine Mary Stahle was born December 12, 1926 in Boston, MA. She spent her early years growing up in the Boston area with her two younger sisters, Florence Hallahan and Anne Murphy, older brother John (Jack) Murphy – deceased, and her two cousins Catherine Dietlein and Patsy Jandrue. She went to Girl's Latin High School in Boston and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emmanuel College in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She furthered her education by receiving a graduate degree (Master of Arts) from Boston University in 1951.

For 5 years, she taught first grade at the City of Everett Schools and then moved to the Newton School System. Even though she left the school system when she married and started a family, she continued to teach her children and grandchildren. In addition to helping with their schoolwork, she found time to teach her children and grandchildren life's fun lessons. These lessons included skiing, skating, juggling, magic and many more!

When she was young, she enjoyed her blue bicycle, skiing and going to the beach. She loved adventure. Her sisters always said that whenever they were with Catherine, they did things they would have never tried and some things they probably shouldn't have. One of her grand adventures after college (1940's!) was a cross-country road trip. She used her sense of leadership and passion for adventure for several years as the Head Counselor of the Waterfront at Camp Mishannack.

On August 29, 1953, she married her loving husband Carl. They remained happily in love and married for over 63 years! Her husband's job, working for the Federal Government for the Atomic Energy Commission, took them away from the Boston area. They moved to several states before they settled in Maryland, where they have lived for over 50 years!

Catherine is survived by her husband, Carl Stahle, 6 children, Kathleen Hibbert, Karen Gereg, Carl Stahle, Jeanne Nolan, Joan Eaton, Janet Limpert, 4 sons-in-law, Peter Gereg, Charles Nolan, Tom Eaton, John Limpert, 1 daughter-in-law, Gail Cooper, and 15 grandchildren, Jessica Hibbert, Jennifer Feight, Laura Kroeger, John Limpert, Ann Hibbert, Patrick Nolan, Daniel Nolan, Brittany Moore, Joseph Moore, Katy Limpert, Lindsey Nolan, Rick Limpert, Catherine Gereg, Shannon Moore and Mae Gereg. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to always do their best and to never give up. In fact, she would say "If you set your mind to something, you can do it…Somebody has to be number one, it might as well be you!"

Her secret to 90 years of life was her positive attitude, her joy of life and her strong Catholic faith. She had a passion and interest for many things, one of which was maps. If you asked her for directions, she would always pull out a map and show you in detail how to get to your destination.   Although GPS replaced many of her maps, she still kept a few handy for backup. She liked keeping her mind active. Every day she spent time working on her SUDOKU puzzles. Her memory was excellent even at the age of 90. She had an amazing ability to remember names of people from her past. When she was in her 80's, she decided to take a Spanish class at the local community college. She practiced her Spanish on her annual trips to Puerto Rico. She was an avid reader and never stopped learning. Her favorite TV show was Wheel of Fortune. For over 30 years she enjoyed living at the Moorings on the Magothy River and was blessed with many kind neighbors. She was a Parishioner at Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Arnold, MD.

Her family was her life. Growing up with her children, she was one of their main cheerleaders (along with her husband); Attending all their school events and cheering them on to success. Spending the holidays with her family was especially important and always marked on her Church calendar months in advance. In Catherine's later years, her grandchildren became her main lifeline. She found joy in their news, challenges and successes. She was 'friends' on Facebook with all her grandchildren. She liked to see their pictures and follow their stories. Against advice from her daughters, she would even occasionally make comments!

In her own words that she left for us:

I would like to be remembered as a good wife, a good mother, and a good grandmother, but most of all, as a good person who embraced, loved, and tried to live her Catholic faith.

"Don't lose the love I gave you, feed it with care. ~ Grow it with devotion and spread it everywhere!!" ~ God bless! ~

Catherine's humble wish to be remembered as a good wife, a good mother and a good grandmother does not begin to cover the unconditional love and support she provided in these roles. Each family member will remember the many ways she shaped them through her love, unwavering morals and devotion to Catholicism. She was an exceptional person and left an impression on every single person she met.

In recent years, she made sure to close every conversation with "Goodbye for now." So, Catherine, Kitty, Mom, Nana—goodbye for now, you will never be forgotten and you will be missed beyond words.

* In lieu of flowers, please donate to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park 21146. Private Interment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.