Catherine Ann Rudman, 52, died peacefully, while surrounded by family who adored her, on August 18th, 2016.

By her side in life, and at the time of her death, were her husband and best friend of 37 years, Jeffrey, and the joy of her life, daughter Kelcie, and husband, John. Her father, Fred Duffy, was also present, along with her brothers, Fred, Mark, and Brian, sister, Mary Jeanne, and niece, Scottie. Partners and wives, Wendy, Mary Ann, Tara, and Kristen were blessed to know and love her, as were other nieces and nephews, Molly, Kendall, Anna, Ross, Connor, Ryan, and godsons, Evan and Luke. We know that her mother, Marcia Duffy, was there to welcome her sweet daughter to a new place of peace and comfort as she passed.

Cathy grew up on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where her love of the seashore began and remained throughout her life; the beach and warm weather, always favorites for vacations and escapes. It was here, in Jersey, where Cathy found her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and together, they shared a love to be envied.

Cathy dedicated her professional life to teaching, and spent 21 years at Salisbury Elementary School, in the Pequea Valley School District. "Mrs. Rudman" changed lives throughout those years, and surely she remains in the hearts of the children she taught, along with the colleagues she worked with, as they did in hers.

Cathy loved to walk, travel with Jeff on his sales routes, and find as many hours as possible to spend with Kelcie and John. Time spent with family and friends was most precious to her, and when you were lucky enough to share in that time, it was obvious you were special to her. A recent highlight was Kelcie and John's wedding, in August of 2015. As we came together for a beautiful celebration of marriage, the warmth of family, the joy of friends, and the pride of parents radiated in Cathy's smile and laugh … she was never more beautiful, and love was everywhere.

Cathy's courage will never be forgotten – she was our hero. Her smile, her laugh, her love for life, and her sweet, sweet ways–by these and more, we are forever blessed, and because we were lucky enough to know her, we are changed for the better and she will live in our hearts always.

Friends and family are invited to share in a Celebration of Cathy's Life on Tuesday, August 23rd, 6pm, at The Barn at Silverstone, 62 Bowman Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you would like to honor Cathy, we ask that donations be made under her name on the 2016 Philadelphia Undy Run/Walk Colon Cancer Alliance (MommaG & Cathy's Crusaders) team page.