Barbara S. Catlin

A LIFE FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER Barbara (Sica) Catlin July 23rd, 1943 - November 29th, 2015 Barbara S. Catlin, 72-years-old, died on Sunday, November 29th, 2015, at her daughter's home in Tucson, AZ. Her strong will to live, faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, and friends, carried her through these last 10 months of health crisis. Throughout her struggle, she maintained a sense of humor and continued to be a strong presence of love and support for those around her. Barbara was born on July 23rd, 1943 in New York City, NY to Joseph and Theresa Sica. She grew up with one brother Aurelio Sica (w.Nancy) but would later in life and with great joy, discover she had three half-brothers Louis Sica (Lida), Philip Sica (Helene dec.) and Vincent Sica dec.(Connie dec.). After graduating from Buffalo State Teachers College with a BA in Elementary Education she entered the SUNY Albany program and received a Masters in Education with an emphasis on higher education. While working as a Residence Hall Director and Administrator at SUNY Potsdam, she met her Sweetheart, Roger E. Catlin, on a blind date. The couple married the following year on January 21st, 1967; a marriage that lasted 49 years and is survived by her husband Roger. Barbara & Roger raised their 2 dear children, Joseph (w. Beverly) and Robin Laurel (h. Douglas) in Canton, N.Y. In 1995, Barbara & Roger retired to Tucson, AZ to be near to Barbara's brother-in-law, sister-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and her own children. She was a Grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Latoya, Christopher, Victoria, Marissa, Sierra, Joseph Jr., Skylar, Cooper, Ainsley, Jake and Jaya and Great-Grandmother to 1: Natalia. Other family members include too many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and God-children to list or even count, but she loved them all. Barbara faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking, laughter, and advice. She was a pilot, pianist, teacher, administrator, and dog -lover but reveled in being a kind neighbor, grandmother, and friend. With a real zest for life, Barbara loved to dance, write, read, bowl, play games/cards - especially with her Grandchildren, chat with friends and family, and was an active member of The Italian-American Club of Tucson where she celebrated her Italian heritage. Known for her ease in frequent conversation and offering of brilliant, simple advice, such as "Don't worry, by the time he/she walks down the wedding aisle they won't still be doing (insert any childlike behavior)" or her favorite expression, "This too shall pass". Throughout her life, she maintained an ability to console, counsel, and cheerlead for others, winning the trust and hearts of many, who even now are still being comforted by her nurturing love and support. Her smile, laughter, and sense of humor will never be forgotten. Visitation information for friends and family of Barbara S. Catlin: There will be a Memorial Service with a Rosary at Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 E Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710, on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1375 S. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ, 85710 on Friday, December 4th, 2015 at 10:00 am. A luncheon reception for the family and close friends will be held at The Fraser House (9156 N. Palm Brook Dr., Tucson, AZ 85743) immediately following the Funeral Mass. For more information, please call: Bring's Broadway Chapel at (520) 296-7193 Donations can be made in Barbara Catlin's Memory • Casa de La Luz Hospice, Tucson: in Barbara Catlin's memory. Please make checks payable to Casa de La Luz Foundation, 7740 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704, or online at http://www.casafoundation.org/ways-to-give/donations • SUNY Canton College Foundation: 34 Cornell Drive, Canton NY 13617. Please make donations to the Clark-Guyette Internship Assistance Program Endowment, or online at https://banweb.canton.edu/pls/prodcanton_alumni.P_Alu_Gift_Main_Page Beyond financial donations in Barbara's memory: Treat others the way you would like to be treated, do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say "I love you" to your special friend.