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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Cathy Weaver

Cathy Weaver passed away July 25, 2026 after a battle with lung cancer. Born Catherine Adelaide Patterson, she was the oldest daughter of the late William J. and Mary Patterson. She was married for over forty years to John R. Weaver Jr., and the proud mother of Christy, Molly, and John Weaver III. Her extended family includes her mother-in-law Doris Weaver, and siblings Bill and Jane Patterson, Meg and Chuck Reller, Bob and Deb Patterson, Carolyn and Bill Best, Tricia and Mike Blake, and Allen Weaver, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved her dogs (Finn and Ollie) and found great joy in their presence and antics.

Cathy graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, PA where she was the first female student body president and the first female to be awarded the Pepper Prize for outstanding student leadership. She earned a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA and completed the course requirements for an ED.D. at Neumann University where she also studied Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction. Cathy also earned certificates in counseling from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Montessori administrator’s certificate from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education at the College of New Rochelle.

Cathy began her career as an admissions councilor at Lafayette and then joined Hercules incorporated where she worked in employment, compensation, and professional development. She also worked in Human Resources consulting before joining the educational team at Wilmington Montessori School. She held leadership positions there and then became Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. She also served as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Wilmington.

From education, Cathy moved to increasingly responsible positions within Catholic Healthcare. She was the Mission and Human Resources leader for Saint Francis Healthcare and also served as the Regional Senior Vice President for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, providing Mission, Human Resources, and Community Health and Well-Being Services for Catholic hospitals in the Pennsylvania and Delaware area. Cathy’s final place of employment was as director of the Marydale Retirement Village, where she worked with a team of dedicated professionals from Catholic Charities to serve seniors and disabled persons who qualify for housing in this lovely garden apartment community. She retired from Marydale but continued to volunteer in service of the members of the Marydale community.

Cathy was blessed by the people who were part of the communities she served, and she was lifted up by their prayers, their service, and their desire to care for those who were poor and vulnerable. She was inspired and appreciated the opportunity to work with many religious sisters and communities during her career, and sends special appreciation to the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia who embraced and encouraged her throughout her life.

 

Funeral Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810, on August 3 at 11:30am, with the burial to follow at Lombardy Cemetery.  A visitation will be held an hour before the Mass beginning at 10:30am. There will also be a visitation held on Aug. 2 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803, from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Cathy and her family thank all who touched her life with gratitude for their presence and caring. Memorial gifts may be made to the SFDE Colleague Assistance Program at Saint Francis Healthcare (701 North Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805), the Marydale Retirement Village Activities Fund (135 Jeandell Drive, Newark, DE 19713), or New Beginnings Next Step, a program dedicated to helping returning citizens move forward from incarceration (P.O. Box 7211, Wilmington, DE 19803).

Condolences

    Johnny Weaver lit a candle and writes,
    I love you mom!
    07/28/2026 10:18 am
    Donna Krah writes,
    I was blessed to have served with Cathy during my time at St. Francis Hospital. Her mission oriented, servant leadership approach was such an inspiration, not only to me, but also to many others. I am grateful to have been mentored by Cathy and to have partnered with her during our time together. Her resolute faith, love of family, including her dogs, and service to others will be remembered. 💕
    07/28/2026 10:46 am
    Donna Robertson lit a candle and writes,
    Ms. Cathy you will never be forgotten. your kind and compassionate spirit will always be remembered. from the very first time meeting you at brackenville and you making sure my son and i were welcome into Sfh and some many years later be able to be in your presence while taking my mom for her treatment looking across the room and not wanting to intrude asking you could i sit with you and also give you a hug im grateful because once again with grace and warmtb you allowed me. One of the reasons i have excelled thank you rest well Ms.Cathy
    07/28/2026 10:56 am
    Bernice Jeffries writes,
    My deepest condolences to the Weaver family Cathy was such a wonderful lady and the best neighbor I could have asked for May her memory be a blessing
    07/28/2026 11:58 am
    Diane Kusup writes,
    Im so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to all the family.
    07/28/2026 12:29 pm
    Arlene McGannon writes,
    I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful woman! Cathy and I served as Mission leaders within Trinity Health, and it was always a joy and inspiration to be with her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. My deepest sympathies to all the family.
    07/28/2026 12:31 pm
    Tissa Harrold Lewis lit a candle and writes,
    I only have Fond Memories of Cathy always working tirelessly throughout her rein at Wilmington Montessori School. She gave so much of herself in everything she did. I was fortunate to teach all three of her children. It was a Joy and privilege to know the whole family. My heart is sad. Sending Love, Peace, Hugs to her Family and Friends. 💗✌️🌻Tissa
    07/28/2026 12:48 pm
    Samantha Raftovich lit a candle and writes,
    Thank you for being a light in my life and so many others, Cathy! I love you!
    07/28/2026 12:57 pm
    Patrick Donovan lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy had a gentle spirit and a holy presence, whether she was two floors away or several states away. Every decision she made was rooted in prayer. She taught me that prayer teaches us to dream, to imagine the impossible. She taught me that prayer works against time, noise, language, pragmatism, and inability. For Cathy, prayer began with an appraisal of what we are and where we find ourselves, and then moves on to changing the situation and ourselves - whether we are new parents or trying to manage struggling teenagers. She taught us all that when we pray, change is inevitable. If you don’t want to change, she would remind us, then don’t pray. Everytime we texted or talked, I would be reminded that prayer is the start of a motion, a continuing transformation and upheaval. Things are never quite the same as before and there is no going back. Change means letting go, dying and rising. It is the continual paradox of death and resurrection, which is experienced in prayer. For prayer is a longing for change. It is asking that we become what God dreams us to be. If you don’t want to change then don’t pray. To live is to change. To be holy is to have changed often. Pray for us now, Cathy. You changed a lot of us.... and I will miss my friend and the wisdom she always shared.
    07/28/2026 01:41 pm
    Dan Holmes lit a candle and writes,
    I had the pleasure of working with Cathy at Marydale Retirement Village. She was always so kind and caring to our tenants, staff and volunteers. Despite the challenges of the position, she managed to smile and laugh and work with anyone on their level. She loved gardening and oversaw many improvements on the campus. She would often come in early to help some of our residents who were struggling to maintain their own little plots. She worked with me in designing an enclosed vegetable garden so that our residents could enjoy fresh produce. She was planning the next project, a Memorial Garden, when her health forced her to retire. That garden is slated for completion later this year. She was loved by many of our residents and will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
    07/28/2026 02:05 pm
    Marty Vonada writes,
    Cathy was such a kind and caring presence at St. Francis. She always went out of her way to do the absolute best for everyone. In particular, she assisted me through a very difficult transition during our time together ❤️
    07/28/2026 02:26 pm
    Colleen Davis writes,
    I was heartbroken to receive this news from Immaculate Heart of Mary today. Cathy was a wonderful principal when my children were at IHM. She was thoughtful and caring to all who knew her. Sending our deepest sympathy to her family who she loved so much. I have no doubt the angels came to greet her as she went home to our Lord. May her memories give her family solace. She will be greatly missed Colleen and family
    07/28/2026 03:15 pm
    Susan Gott lit a candle and writes,
    I will miss your strength, your kindness and above all your love
    07/28/2026 03:36 pm
    Debbie Denney writes,
    To Cathy's Family and Friends I wish to convey my deepest condolences for your loss. When I met Cathy I just thought wow, what an incredible woman she was. Her kindness and compassion towards others was so outstanding. I'm sure I can speak for all of us here at Marydale that she will surely be missed. God bless you always Cathy!
    07/28/2026 03:38 pm
    John Flynn lit a candle and writes,
    I will always be grateful to you, Cathy. For me, you were a powerful example of love in action in the world. Thank you for your many kindnesses to me and to the returning citizens of New Beginnings-Next Step. Your generous, cheerful, and optimistic spirit will remain in our hearts.
    07/28/2026 04:00 pm
    Marie and Nicholas V Midey Jr lit a candle and writes,
    Nick and I are very sorry about your loss of Cathy. I was fortunate to get to know her better with the planning of Doris’s birthday celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    07/28/2026 04:26 pm
    Elaine Brandenberger Sinclair writes,
    Cathy was a truly wonderful person. My parents lived next door and as they aged, she and other neighbors helped look after them. I sincerely appreciate her help.
    07/28/2026 04:36 pm
    Joe Bullis lit a candle and writes,
    Our dear cousin Cathy! So sad to hear of this. She was the first of all of us Patterson/Haas/Bullis cousins and the best! Cathy was always so good to me when I was very young and on thru the years whenever I had the pleasure of seeing her. Rest in peace, Cathy. Prayers going up for all the family.
    07/28/2026 05:52 pm
    Debby Morrison lit a candle and writes,
    The Weaver Family is one I will never forget. I hold Christy, Molly, Johnny, and John in my prayers. Thanks to Cathy for all she did for Wilmington Montessori School.
    07/28/2026 07:46 pm
    Mary Clarke writes,
    Sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. I had the pleasure of interacting with Cathy as a newly hired engineer at Hercules. She was warm, welcoming, and professional and impressed me greatly as a brand new graduate. I’ve always remembered her kindness and genuine concern and was happy to read of her subsequent roles, each providing the opportunity to positively impact others. She was a bright light.
    07/28/2026 10:25 pm
    tonya hocker lit a candle and writes,
    This hurt hit HARD. Cathy was my Friend and Guardian Angel. She gave me an opportunity to partner with her on Violence issues in the community on behalf of Saint Francis Hospital. She always demonstrated KINDNESS PATIENCE, AND LOVE. Cathy treated everyone with DIGNITY NO MATTER WHERE THEY CAME FROM. I would give anything for one more Saturday morning breakfast together sharing secrets. I love you Cathy.
    07/28/2026 10:48 pm
    Elizabeth J Verrill lit a candle and writes,
    It was a joy to have Cathy as the administrator of Marydale Retirement Community. She showed interest in every resident, was endlessly patient, and is deeply missed. Sincere condolences to her family. She will be remembered and missed. Elizabeth Verrill
    07/29/2026 12:34 am
    Rev. Steve Giuliano writes,
    I had the pleasure of working with Cathy on the Diocesan school board for a number of years. She was always insightful, kind, and open to new ideas and perspectives. Her loving spirit will live on in the number of lives that she touched. My prayers go out to John, her children, and all who loved her. Unfortunately, I will not be in town to concelebrate the funeral. I will be offering a Mass for Cathy and her loved ones.
    07/29/2026 08:40 am
    Jessica Forrest Lewis writes,
    I am DEEPLY sorry for your loss, John, Christie, Mollie, and Johnny, and may Cathy's soul rest well in peace 🙏🙏🙏 None of you probably remember me, but I taught at WMS while all three of you children were there (Cathy hired me, in fact ... she was not just a kind, gentle person & supervisor but a DEDICATED MAVERICK, who had a great deal to do with WMS' success to this day!) Cathy then hired me again a couple years ago to teach T'ai Chi Chih at Marydale, which is when she shared with me she was dealing with the same difficult-to-treat lung cancer as my mother-in-law (who passed shortly soon after.) I have been wondering about her health A LOT lately (and should've reached out, but didn't ... MY APOLOGIES!!!) Sending you all nothing but HUGS, PRAYERS & PEACE 😘😘😘
    07/29/2026 12:28 pm
    Maggie Chevrier lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Weaver family: My love and condolences to all of you. Cathy was a gift to all with whom she had contact with during her lifetime. She was always the first to offer support to anyone in need, whether it was emotional or physical. Cathy never asked anything from others that she could or would do herself. She was a doer. Cathy lived an amazing life of service to God and humanity. She will be missed by all who knew her. Most of all her family. May you find peace and solace in your family memories.
    07/29/2026 01:24 pm
    Bob Zink writes,
    I will cherish the time that my dog Augie and I were lucky enough to spend with Cathy and her dogs Noah, Tucker, and Finn along with other neighbors and dogs playing ball in the field next to Forwood. Cathy was a bright light every day and up for any game even if it meant (usually) losing a shoe. She will be missed. Peace.
    07/29/2026 01:39 pm
    Brad, Lisa, Gideon and Nola lit a candle and writes,
    You are already so missed Aunt Cathy. Your beauty and kindness remains with everyone and everything you touched. I will always remember you whenever I see a golden retriever or a garden full of lillies. Rest in peace. We love you.
    07/29/2026 02:17 pm
    Mary McDonough lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy Weaver was a bright, warm light to the entire IHM school community who she served as Principal. She was a true servant leader! Kind, smart, humble, open-minded, and determined. Cathy lived her faith every day. My kids & all of the IHM students were so lucky to have her as their Principal and role model. We will always be grateful for having this remarkable spiritual woman in our lives. May Cathy’s memory be a blessing and an inspiration for all of us.
    07/29/2026 02:23 pm
    Doris O Weaver lit a candle and writes,
    I have felt so blessed to have Cathy in my life. She has been a daughter to me. I will miss her. Love Always, Doris
    07/29/2026 02:31 pm
    Sharon Gar-El lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Weaver Family, I am writing to express my deepest condolences to you all. I was very saddened to learn that Cathy had passed away. I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy several times at her home alongside her husband, John. She was such a nice person, and it was always clear how much she loved her family, her gardening, and her dogs, Finn and Ollie. I know she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace. With sympathy, Sharon Gar-El
    07/29/2026 04:55 pm
    amy Whetham writes,
    Weaver family- So very sorry to hear about Cathy- what a legacy she leaves! The epitome of a wonderful woman! The Whetham family
    07/29/2026 07:31 pm
    Joanne Scott writes,
    Cathy was a good soul. She showed kindness to everyone she met . My deepest condolences to her family and all who knew her.
    07/30/2026 10:19 am
    Renee Mitchell lit a candle and writes,
    So sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. She was ALWAYS a bright light walking through the halls of St. Francis. Her kindness and compassion for all that she encountered left them with a smile and a feeling of comfort that only Cathy could give in her own way no matter their personal background. Cathy will truly be missed by all who knew her, especially her family. Sending you all my condolences and prayers during your time of mourning. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. - Matthew 5: 3-4
    07/30/2026 12:43 pm
    Dayle Severns writes,
    Cathy was a woman of rare grace, and I wish we had had more time and opportunities to know her better. As it is, the times I spent with her were delightful, and I was glad and privileged to have her in our extended family. My heart goes out to John, Chrissy, Molly, and Johnny. I know she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
    07/30/2026 02:06 pm
    Kathleen Connor lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy was the Superintendent of Schools when I served as a diocesan principal. She was a voice of reason on the bad days, and a kind and compassionate supporter every day. I remember the kindness in her voice, the calmness of her demeanor, and the strength of her belief. I extend my most sincere sympathy to the Weaver family.
    07/30/2026 02:07 pm
    Nancy Bolinski writes,
    Condolences to Cathy's family
    07/30/2026 02:52 pm
    Michael and Pat Rosaio lit a candle and writes,
    Condolences to John and family - so sorry for your loss. Cathy's legacy is the epitome of a life well lived. She will be missed by many. The Rosaio family
    07/31/2026 08:05 am
    Marie Dugan lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy and I worked together at Wilmington Montessori School during the important early days when the school was expanding quickly. She was involved in the planning of the new building. Cathy was loved by everyone. Many of us will be at church on Monday. We all send our confolences and prayers to her wonderful family. Cathy will be missed by all of us.
    07/31/2026 08:57 am
    Little Sisters of the Poor writes,
    The Little Sisters express their sorrow for the loss of Cathy to her family and the many lives she touched including our dear Residents and the Sisters. Cathy was a big yet hidden help for us during COVID and during the Synodality effort she came and allowed our Residents to understand Synoldality and to experience it. We regret that due to our hospitality needs to the Elderly we cannot make any of the services. We will have a Mass here for the repose of her soul.
    07/31/2026 10:23 am
    Kelly and Tom Herron lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy is remembered in our life as a dear friend and thoughtful person. She journeyed with us when we experienced loss and we were able to get through it because of her attention and compassion. Our condolences go out to her family and friends. I can't help but imagine the dogs looking out the window. She and I shared lots of dog stories and it lightened my day every time we did. Prayers for you all!
    07/31/2026 01:10 pm
    Mike Flanagan lit a candle and writes,
    I had the great pleasure of working with Cathy as a board member of the Wilmington Diocesan schools for 6 years...Cathy led our efforts with diligence, grace, and compassion...She was smart as a whip, with a great sense of humor...Her ability to lead and get to consensus on issues was exceptional... She was a shining light, and will be missed greatly...God bless her... Mike Flanagan
    07/31/2026 02:06 pm
    Paula Savini writes,
    Cathy's dedication to providing caring service to every person she met shone through her entire being. I had the pleasure of working with her during her service at St. Francis and Catholic Charities. She embodied the commandment to love one another. She brought light and hope to everyone she met. Rest well in God's love.
    07/31/2026 06:19 pm
    Sister Donna Watto, RSM lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest sympathies to each of you. Your wife and mother was just an amazing and beautiful woman of great integrity, deep faith and values that always upheld the the works of mercy and the gospel. She lived with compassion and selflessness as she served with great generosity. Cathy was a wonderful friend that I had the honor of meeting at Mercy. She is loved and will be greatly missed. 💕🙏🏽
    08/01/2026 06:43 am
    Sister LaVerne King lit a candle and writes,
    I offer my prayers of support to John, Christy, Molly, and John III. Cathy’s love of and belief in the power of prayer is my strongest memory of a wonderful woman of many gifts and talents which she shared with all she encountered. I will always be grateful for having known her and shared a love for Catholic education with her as she ministered to the many principals, teachers, staff, students, and parents in her care as Superintendent of Catholic Education. She will be warmly and gratefully remembered. Death does not extinguish the light. It is putting out the lamp because dawn has come. May she rest in peace.
    08/01/2026 07:31 am
    Susan Swartout lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy was not just an administrator, she was my friend. She meant the world to me. She greeted me with smiles and hugs every time we met. I was so happy and grateful to know her. She helped me to get out of my comfort zone and go out and help others who did not have any companionship. She was so excited about me wanting a garden in front of my apartment but I was unable to get down on my knees so she came over and planted everything I had picked out for my garden. Now my garden is thriving, and it will always remind me of her .She was always smiling happy and willing to help anybody . She will be greatly missed by me and anyone that knew her. This poem is called The Journey. It is from my heart❤️ to Cathy’s family; “May the Lord’s hands guide you every step of the way on your long journey -this we pray. Your love and understanding that we have received, will help others in their time of need. So many lives you have touched, with the words that you have spoken. They will live forever inside our hearts, although we may be miles apart.” Love Forever And Always, Susan
    08/01/2026 07:58 am
    Bernie writes,
    I had the great pleasure of working with Cathy at Saint Francis for a number of years. It never felt like work! She was the nicest person. We did a lot of volunteering. Cathy ran the Community Health & Outreach Committee. From health awareness events around Wilmington to showing support at the Saint Anthony Italian Festival every year. Cathy will truly be missed. I have no doubt we will keep her spirit very much alive.
    08/01/2026 03:51 pm
    Ebony Brown lit a candle and writes,
    Cathy hired me at Saint Francis and was my mentor, cheerleader, spiritual advisor and friend for 20 years. Her presence and smile lit up every hallway and room everywhere she went. I was always captured every time she spoke, so eloquent, soft and heartfelt. She loved and was loved by so many people. I am forever grateful to have known Cathy, I love you. ❤️ Sleep well my dear friend.
    08/01/2026 07:51 pm
    Thelma Dooley writes,
    John, Christy, Molly, and Johnny, Cathy was an inspiration to everyone. Her quiet, kind manner always gave me a peaceful feeling. At WMS, she was a bundle of energy, always knowing just where she was needed. I was privileged to have Molly and Johnny in my class. The Weavers are a wonderful family and will always hold a very special spot in my heart. Hold dear all the memories Cathy left you.❣️🦋 Thelma
    08/01/2026 08:16 pm
    Nancy Murray lit a candle and writes,
    Michael and I and our girls send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Weaver family. We have happy family memories of times together at Bayview Beach, singing Christmas carols in Claymont and sharing times when we each got married and had children. Cathy was always kind and welcoming, always interested in your life and what you were up to. She lived her life as a disciple & we were blessed to have had her in our lives. With love, Nancy, Michael, Melissa & Christina
    08/02/2026 11:56 am
    Fritz Jones lit a candle and writes,
    Maya Angelou says “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” I believe Cathy was and is a great soul. She will always be among us. I have been privileged to work with her and also call her my friend. My deepest condolences to her family and many friends.
    08/02/2026 02:26 pm
    Natalie, Tom Welch and the girls lit a candle and writes,
    Johnny and family , We are incredibly sorry for your loss we will always remember your mom smiling and welcoming. Our thoughts and love are with you.
    08/02/2026 10:04 pm
    Jane Chickadel lit a candle and writes,
    I had the honor of working with Cathy when she was Superintendent of Schools and years later with Catholic Charities. Cathy was truly one in a million wonderful. She enriched every interaction with her special warm, calm, spiritually insightful and cheerful brand of humanity. She was a joy just to be around and I often sought her wisdom and guidance. Cathy, there simply was no one like you. My Sympathy and prayers to her family
    08/03/2026 09:06 am
    Bill Sandilos writes,
    Cathy has been a dear friend since we met in ninth grade. I have never known anyone with a bigger heart than she had. Our world has lost a treasure.
    08/03/2026 02:15 pm

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