Faith Ellen McCatherin

Faith Ellen McCatherin, 83 of Jacksonville, Fla, and formerly of Falmouth and Yarmouth, passed peacefully on Jan. 28, 2009 with loving family members at her side. Faith's beautiful smile and unassuming nature made friends, family and strangers alike feel important.

She was a talented artist and chef with a passion for gardening. Whether weeding her enormous vegetable garden, knitting and sewing clothing for her family or creating fabulous meals from almost nothing, Faith had an exceptional work ethic, and her macaroni and cheese was second to none. An avid reader in her spare time, she gave to her children her love of books, a questioning spirit, and a wry sense of humor. Quietly fiesty to the end, she was absolutely delighted by the election of President Barack Obama. A widow at the young age of 44 and mother of five children, Faith enjoyed a long career with Shaw's Supermarket in Falmouth where she inspired her customers and co-workers alike.

Faith was born in Newark, N.J. in 1925, the child of Clarence and Gladys Goldrup James, and grew up in Yarmouth with her five siblings. A 1944 graduate of North Yarmouth Academy, she attended Boston's Vesper-George School of Art before starting her family with the love of her life, Charles A. McCatherin. Faith was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents; loving husband Charlie; sister Hope, and brother Clarence. Surviving her are sisters Charity Dunham and Arline Wilkinson; daughters Andrea Sawyer and husband Lawrence of Casco, Laurie Myrbeck and husband Gunnar of Gardiner, Ellen Tarulli and partner Robert Moeller of Jacksonville, Fla., Jamie Bruno and husband Ken of Grove City, Fla., and son Chuck McCatherin of Falmouth; grandchildren Sarah Skillin Woodard, Charles Skillin, Andrew Sawyer, Ian Sawyer, Leo Tarulli, Angela Houghton, Daniel Myrbeck, Michael Myrbeck, Emma Bruno, and Chad and Jamie McCatherin; she was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Lauren Semo, Katie Skillin, Aidan, River and Greysen Sawyer, and Katie Houghton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

As a tribute to Faith's long and full life, please do something especially kind for someone around you. A family celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2009; details will be forthcoming.