Gladys Marie Catanzaro

Gladys Marie Catanzaro passed away after a long illness, at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

Gladys was born in Port Austin on October 14, 1928 to Richard and Bertha OConnor. They moved to Port Huron when she was a child. She was the oldest of 16 children. She was united in marriage to Joseph C. Catanzaro on October 12, 1945, who preceded her in death on March 6, 1994.

Gladys worked with her husband at Sam & Joes Restaurant, a family owned business until 1987. She also worked at H.A. Smith Packing on Dove Street. She was a former member of the Moose, VFW, and Knights of Columbus. She was an avid bowler and loved flower gardens, trips to Port Austin with her sisters, and especially her family. She also loved sitting on the porch, visiting with family and friends that would come by.

Gladys is survived by her children, Samuel (Karen) Catanzaro of Clyde, Richard (Carmon) Catanzaro of Kimball, Angela Catanzaro (Ron Farrell), Theresa (Walter) Gilbert, and John (Donna) Catanzaro, All of Port Huron; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; brothers Richard (Shirley), John, Gerald (Wendy), Michael, Fred (Val), David, and Danial (Kathy) OConnor; and sisters Grace (Weston) Weaver, Betty (Richard) Gutierrez, Anna Bauer, Carole (Herbert) Isaacs, Linda Smith, and Sharon (Dennis) Custard.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her parents Richard and Bertha OConnor and sisters, Kathryn OConnor and Eldora Gragowski.

Funeral services will be 10 am Wednesday in St. Stephen Catholic Church. The Rev. Brian K. Cokonougher will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visiting hours are 2-4 & 6-8 pm Tuesday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home and 9 am Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Wishes of The Family.

Glady's family would like to express a special thanks to the Blue Water Hospice Nurses and Visiting Nurses Association.