Catherine Charlotte Dempsey

Obituary Catherine departed Gig Harbor, Washington to join our Lord on October 25, 2017. Catherine was born in Bristol South Dakota on May 27, 1922, the third of four children. From her early years, Catherine demonstrated a sincere desire to help people. When her father was ill with cancer, young Catherine would help her mother with dressing changes, feeding and comfort. Catherine later trained as a nurse, graduated and elected to serve her country by joining the military. She began her service in the Pacific Theater in the last months of World War II. After the war, she and her sister Yvonne travelled by train from Aberdeen, South Dakota to Seattle, where she worked for many years as an obstetrics nurse. In 1957, she joined the Air Force Nurse Corps and eventually earned the rank of Captain. Catherine met her husband, Frank Miraglia, through church sponsored activities at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle, and on April 8, 1961 they married. In 1962, their first daughter, Yvonne, was born. Yvonne is now married to Basil and they reside in Federal Way. In 1964, their second daughter, Joan, was born. Joan is married to Mark, they reside in Gig Harbor and have two grown children, Catherine and Jack. On November 2, 1966, their son Mark was born, who returned to heaven shortly thereafter. Catherine was an avid skier and member of the ski patrol at Stevens Pass. Catherine was an active member of St. Stephen the Martyr Parish in Renton for more than 40 years, where she taught Sunday School and was a Eucharistic minister. She had a very deep faith life and loved the Lord with all her heart. Catherine was a very generous person giving of her time, talent and treasure. During her retirement years, Catherine enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading, lunching with the Society of Air Force Nurses club and watching her favorite talk show, Jimmy Fallon. Catherine moved from the family home in Renton to the Madrona Park assisted living community in Federal Way and later settled at Family First Adult Family Home in Gig Harbor. Catherine had the pleasure to know Vicky Steckler from St. Stephens, who provided communion to her when she was housebound and followed her to Federal Way to continue to minister to her. Vicky was such a blessing to our Mom, her genuine friendship, love and care are cherished beyond words. Much appreciation to Dr. Marcia Jordan, whose supervision provided the aid and support necessary to care for Catherine as her dementia progressed. Thank you to Kayla Hawkins the care manager at Madrona Park for always keeping an extra eye on Mom and Jeanette Kent from Family First in Gig Harbor with her team aiding in the end of life care guided by Dr. Helen Bedder from Multi Care Hospice. Last, but not least, we would like to acknowledge Multi Care Hospice for their devoted end of life care that preserved Catherine's dignity and provided for a peaceful passing. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Miraglia, son Mark D. Miraglia; parents Charles J. Dempsey and Charlotte C. Dempsey; siblings Charles Y. Dempsey, Yvonne Q. Dempsey and Peter E. Dempsey. She is survived by daughters Yvonne (Basil) Frazier, Joan (Mark) Roberts, and her beloved grandchildren, Catherine and Jack Roberts. Services will be held at the Chapel of St. Stephen the Martyr, located at 13055 SE 192nd St., Renton, WA 98058 on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. The Rosary begins at 10:20 AM, the Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 AM and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Community Services or any charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.