Catherine Stewart Fronheiser passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at home in Williamsburg on June 9, 2026 of multiple illnesses that she endured for the past 10 years.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 10, 1945 to Thomas R. Jr. and Rosine Stewart, she was preceded in death by her parents, and step-father Joe Canterbury. She is survived by Larry, her husband of 57 years, partner in faith, best friend, and caregiver as well as her brother Tom Stewart III (Windber, PA) with whom she was very close.
Cathy’s focus was her four children and their families; Emily (Des Moines, Iowa), Meg and husband Curtis (Overland Park, KS), Jackson and Wyatt: Christopher and wife Susan (Candia, NH), Emma, Kyle, Sarah & Michael; Abby and husband James (Williamsburg, VA), Will, Ben, Samantha, and Kate.
Cathy attended Eastern High School in Baltimore, and received her B.A. in English from Washington College, Chestertown, MD. After teaching in Frederick, MD where she met Larry, they were married in 1968 and moved to Ebensburg, PA where they raised their children and lived for 34 years. She became a pillar of service to the community offering her talents in a variety of ways; high school forensics coach and judge, Cresson Lake Playhouse, and President of the local Federated Women’s Club chapter.
While volunteering at Cresson Lake, she became its seamstress and costumer, appeared many times on stage, and co-founded Painters’ Pants Players, because of her intense love for children’s theater and children’s literature.
Cathy and Larry retired to Williamsburg in 2001 where she continued her service to the Women’s Club. But her first love was St. Bede Catholic Church, serving as President of the Parish Council, chair with Larry of the Parish Life Committee, Lector, Welcome Ministry, and coordinator of the Funeral Reception Ministry for 15 years.
Anyone who knew Cathy well would know that sewing and fabric expertise were life- long gifts which she utilized in countless ways – from making many of her own and children’s clothes to quilting to professional services as a costumer. She took great comfort when constructing dozens of burp cloths for the Williamsburg House of Mercy. “Seeing the need and filling it” was a mantra she practiced every day.
Cathy’s faith was strong. Her volunteerism reflected all the characteristics of a Catholic life well lived. Following in intimate detail the careers of her children and the accomplishments of her grandchildren, she was not distracted by her health issues because her heart remained strong to the end. Her compassionate and understanding heart was stronger. She will be dearly missed by her entire family.
The family has established a memorial donation page in Catherine’s honor here.
