Theresa Regina Cate

Theresa Cate, 86, of Orange Park, FL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 6, 2021.  Born to Mary and Joseph Marchetti in Drifton, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Freeland High School in Freeland, PA. She went on to attend and graduate from Purth Amboy Medical Institute as a Registered Nurse, with special studies in Psychiatry.  Happily married to Billy Joe Cate in 1957, a career Navy man, she relocated directly from college to their first station in Monterey, California and the first hospital she would work in. The family was transferred to Orange Park in 1963 after their 3^rd child, where Theresa became a full-time, great mother. An avid sports fan, her encouragement and rides to the games got all the kids and the grands going.  A passionate reader, she also loved football the last 20+ years, even dressing in her team colors at home and watching on TV. Very active in our church, St Catherine’s, she Co-Chaired the huge annual Bazaar for 2 years, was a Charter Member of the Church Handicraft Group meeting weekly for more 40 years.  Early on, her children were the main beneficiaries of her clothing design talent, but she was profitable with it also.  In later years, her Quilts were the rave, adding thousands of dollars to the annual Bazaar over the years, in raffles for them.  She will be remembered most for her loving and serving heart to all, her wonderful friendships and her funny quick wit— she was just the best. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary McCloskey, Rita Marchetti and Emma Marchetti; brother August Marchetti; and great-grandson Christian Cate.  She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Billy Joe Cate; daughters Catherine Cate, Marianne Nieves, Amy Jo (Gene) Frith; son Billy Cate; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00am-11:00am on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00am with Fr. Edward Rooney officiating. The graveside service will be held at 11:30am on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Jacksonville National Cemetery.