Cathleen Marie Marti

Cathleen Marie Marti died Monday June 18, 2007, after a brief and sudden illness.

Cathleen Marie Opp was born Sept 21, 1944, in East Orange, N.J., to Jim and Shirley Opp.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Shirley, and brother Corky Opp.

She is survived by her husband and best friend for 20 years, Walter Marti; father and stepmother Jim and Lorraine Opp; sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Stacy Beaumont, Jeffrey and Carrie Beaumont, David and Pam Marti and Robert and Tasci Marti; daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Gene Uebelhardt and Cheryl and Tim Moss; and 15 loving grandchildren.

Coming west from New Jersey, Cathy's family settled in the San Fernando Valley. Like so many baby boomers she had a wonderful childhood and adolescence. Girl Scout to high school cheerleader, her youthful exuberance followed her throughout her life. She was a recently retired sales representative, employed by Kraft Foods for 27 years. Extremely successful in the business world, it paled in comparison to her personal life. She was the center of attention, the life of the party. She could captivate any room with her presence.

Her energy could only be matched by her love of the outdoors. She was at home at the helm of a speed boat screaming across Lake Havasu or at the wheel of a dune buggy flying over the sands of Glamis. Most recently, Grandma Cathy could be seen on her Harley Davidson riding the roads to everywhere.

A friend to anyone who needed one, Cathy could be counted on in times of need. Whether providing to the elderly or planning special events for the underprivileged, she was a blessing to us all. Her greatest love was her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy. She never missed a graduation, baptism, countless birthday parties and grandparents' day at school. From the eldest to the baby, each grandchild felt special in her eyes.

Our family is distraught and at times the grief is overwhelming. We gather strength from her memory and solace in knowing no one lived bigger than Cathy or had a life so full.

A celebration of the life of Cathy Marti will be held at 3 p.m. Monday June 25 at The Vineyards, 2525 Stow St., Simi Valley, CA 93063, and a private inurnment will be held at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park with the Rev. Jonathan Mulford of ProCare Hospice officiating.

Donations will be made in her name to Casa Pacifica Therapeutic Recreation, 1722 S. Lewis Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.

Family was assisted in arrangements by Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home, phone 805-526-6677.

Please sign the guest book at obits.VenturaCountyStar.com

Ventura County Star 23 June 2007