Cathleen (Cate) Cetrulo

2010-09-08

Cathleen "Cate" M. Cetrulo, 52, of Louisville passed away on September 8, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, KY. Cate is survived by her mother, Elaine P. Cetrulo, of Ft. Wright, KY; father, Robert C. Cetrulo of Ludlow, KY; eight brothers and sisters, Bob (Susanne) Cetrulo of Edgewood; Nancy Cetrulo of Union; Mike, Carol, Amy and Cara Cetrulo, of Ft. Wright; Dan (Kathleen) Cetrulo of Burlington; and Lynn (Mike) Watson of Union as well as seven nieces and nephews, Nikki, Rob, Jake, and Dominic Cetrulo and Emily, Lydia, and Luke Watson. She is also grieved for by countless friends from Louisville and beyond. Cate graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1975 and attended Morehead State University, and at both schools enjoyed her extensive involvement with the theater department. Cate later graduated from Bellarmine University with her undergraduate degree and went on to complete her distinguished academic career at Spalding University, where she received her Masters of Social Work degree. Cate's life touched many in her 52 years, not only through her gregarious personality, but also as an instructor at Spalding in the Social Work studies program as well as through her career as a therapist at Seven Counties where she helped children in crisis and their families in and around the Louisville area. She stood up for children who were not being heard; she gave them a voice. She was generous with her time and mentored countless doctors, students, and therapists to be the best they could be to serve the children and their families about whom she cared so much. She will long be remembered for her incredible wit, story-telling antics and intellect. Her beaming smile will be missed by all of her co-workers, the many children whose lives were changed and saved by Cate's healing therapy, many friends and extended family. The celebration of her life will begin on Friday September 10, 2010 with a visitation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by a Unity celebration at Middendorf Funeral Home at 3312 Madison Pike, Ft. Wright, Kentucky. A funeral mass will take place at St. Agnes Church on Saturday September 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. For those wishing to make donations in lieu of flowers, donations in Cate's name can be made to Seven Counties Services, Inc., DCSU, c/o Karen McMillan, 101 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40202 or Notre Dame Academy, 1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills, KY 41011. 


Cathy was my best friend in grades 4-8 at St. Agnes. When we lined up for first communion, confirmation, or graduation it was always by height. Cathy was always first, and I was second. I do not know if that is what brought us together, but I think more likely it was Cathy's outgoing, fun nature. We did everything together- Girl Scouts, summer camps, etc. There were lots of overnights at the Cetrulo residence. Cathy was an outgoing personality even then, and she was lots of fun. At Notre Dame, we were in all different classes, so we grew apart, although that early bond was always there. Somehow, I grew 6 inches during my years at Notre Dame, so we were not next to each other at graduation. I do not know if Cathy was still first (She did have some competition!) I know that Cathy enjoyed Choral club and Thespians. Remember Fiddler on the Roof! She was in the chorus and loved it. I saw Cathy again in 79 or 80, in Morehead Ky. She was involved with the Outdoor Theater at Cave Run Lake. Cathy was a lovely girl and the best friend anyone could ever have. She is missed.

tribute by Janet Kegley

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