Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 4, 1967 Catherine (Cate) Agnes Smart Caley departed from us on December 6, 2023. She was a Virginia Beach resident for the last 27 years. A cancer survivor, Cate passed unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep.
A graduate of Bridgewater State College where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree, she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Forensic Social Work at Boston College. While still in Massachusetts, Cate worked with prisoners at Walpole Maximum Security Prison. After moving to Virginia, Cate counseled Navy Seals at Dam Neck and she also worked with prisoners at Norfolk City Jail. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center and often spoke fondly of her work associates. Cate was proud of her work and was devoted to her clients’ well-being.
She loved to travel and experience new people and places such as Isla Mujeres, Jamaica and Grand Cayman BWI as well as frequent visits to Williamsburg. Her love of Christmas saw her eagerly attending Bush Garden’s Christmas Town each winter. Her enthusiasm for music spanned most every genre, with particular favorites being Eric Clapton, Freddie Mercury, America, David Bowie, Genesis and Matchbox 20. Cate was especially supportive of children and animals in need.
She leaves behind her loving husband Robert M. Caley, her beloved daughters Sarah Bell and Emily Bell and their father and grandmother Dustin Bell and Terry Abrams, as well as her father Peter Smart, her sister Nicole Smart Meyer and her “BFF” rescue companion Chappy. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles Frank Perkins, Jean Bryan, Patricia Smart, Aggie Fletcher, Peggy Harrison, as well as cousins Richard & Beth Smart, William & Karen Smart, Dennis & Tracy Smart, Patricia Pascarelli and Robin Perkins Parnell.
Friends and relatives are invited to say farewell to Cate at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Drive in Virginia Beach. Visiting hours will be between 4 and 7 p.m. on December 13, 2023. A memorial service will be held at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 1265 Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach on December 15, 2023 at noon.
In lieu of flowers, Cate would have preferred a donation in remembrance of her to one of her favorite charities:
ASPCA
The Humane Society
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
