Ms. Catherine (Tootsie) Starasinich Wadatz, 81, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away peacefully at her home on April 5, 2012. She was surrounded by loving family during her brief illness.
Ms. Wadatz was born in Fallston, Pa. to Peter and Mary Starasinich. She graduated from New Brighton High School in 1949. In 1970 Ms. Wadatz graduated from Community College of Beaver County. She spent her career working in various medical practices as the office manager.
Ms. Wadatz is survived by her three daughters; Patricia Zimmer and husband Jim of Peachtree City, Toni Fishback of Woodstock and Debra Garrett and husband Dale of Brooks. She is also survived by grandchildren; Tammy Soulakos (Peachtree City), Tawnya Morris (Phoenix), Bill Fishback (Acworth), Rachelle Parker and Candice Parker (Brooks); her brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Donna Starasinich (Darlington, Pa.); and ten great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father Mary Starasinich (1967) and Peter Starasinich (1971), her brother Peter Starasinich (1984), and her sisters Mary Starasinich (1994) and Wilma Trputec (2008).
Ms. Wadatz was a member of K.S.K.J. (American Slovenian Catholic Union) Lodge 300, and a Rotary International Foundation Paul Harris Fellow. A “newer” member at the Life Enrichment Center (Fayetteville, Ga.), Catherine looked forward to playing card games and enjoying special meals with friends weekly.
Lovingly referred to as “Grandmaw” by friends and family, Catherine was an avid seamstress and gardener. She also enjoyed reading, winning at the slot machines and spending time with family. She spent extra time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years as caregiver and teacher. She always made time for soccer games, band concerts, award ceremonies, birthday parties, weddings and all that she was invited to. She taught many life lessons to all and will be missed greatly.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 9 at 3 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City. The family will receive friends following Mass in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
Please make contributions in her honor to your favorite charity.
Mom – Grandmaw – Great-Grandmaw
Loved by all who knew her
Carl J.Mowell & Son, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
