Catherine Mayer

Catherine E. Mayer, age 83, of Gulf Breeze Florida, passed away February 2, 2014. Born on December 13, 1930, Cathy was the daughter of the late Robert W and Katherine F Fennimore of Trenton, New Jersey. On June 21, 1952 Cathy married then Ensign William H. Mayer beginning 61 years of precious memories. It has long been said that the toughest job in the Navy was that of a Navy Wife, and Cathy embodied that description, suffering frequent moves, changing schools for the children and maintaining the family through good times and bad with unfailing good humor and a positive attitude. Cathy was recognized by the Chapel by the Lake, NTCGL Alter Guild and also as Co-Chairman of Navy Relief Society Thrift Shop for redesigning and merchandising donations. She gave of herself without a whimper of complaint and her outgoing personality attracted lifelong friendships at each stop along the way. When her children were grown and on their own, Cathy turned her attention to Art. An experienced artist in virtually all media, she particularly enjoyed working in watercolor and ink. Her favorite subjects included flowers and trees along with her colorful abstracts. Cathy is a charter member of Pensacola Artists Inc, a former member of the Art League at the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA and also of the Springfield Va Art Guild. Her work has been acclaimed in juried shows at the National Geological Service in Reston, VA, the FDIC in Washington DC and on the campus of NOVA college in Northern Virginia. She also has been a featured artist at Lord and Taylor in Arlington, VA, Washington, DC and Baltimore, Md. More currently she is a member of the Art Study Club of Pensacola, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Al, and a founding member of Gulf Breeze Arts Inc. In 1983 she was honored by the selection of her India ink drawing for the cover of the quarterly publication "YOUR PUBLIC LAND" by the Department of Land Management. This cover marked the first time that original art had been used by the department. Her watercolor painting "Mountain View" was awarded the first prize for watercolors at the 1999 Gulf Breeze Arts Festival Member Show. In 2008 her "Kate's Basket of Flowers", inspired by her mom, took home the Best of Show Blue Ribbon. Despite her success in the field of art, she took greater pride in her performance as Grandmother. "Oma" as she was known to virtually all who knew her, was at her best when cheering for her grandchildren's sporting and theatrical activities, offering a soft shoulder to lean on when they met disappointments and keeping the fridge full of their favorite snacks. When not in her art attire, Cathy loved to putter around in her garden and had the proverbial "green thumb". Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Navy Captain Bill Mayer of Gulf Breeze, her daughter and husband, Cathy and Russ Pascoe of Gulf Breeze, son Bill Jr and wife, Stephanie, of Waterford Va. Grandchildren Andrew and Shane Pascoe of Gulf Breeze, Allie Dunlap and husband Captain Rick Dunlap, USMC of Beaufort, SC and Scott C. Mayer of Waterford, Va. She is also survived by her great-grandson Lincoln A Dunlap, sister Ruth C. Hampton and husband Harry, of Hamilton New Jersey and Port St Lucie Fl, sister-in-law Ruth B. Ober of Yardville NJ and a bevy of nieces and nephews to whom she will be always remembered as Aunt Cass. She was predeceased by her parents and brother and sister-in-law Bob and Mildred Fennimore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions honoring Catherine Mayer may be made to the Pensacola Chapter of the Military Officers Association Scholarship Fund. Their address is: PMOAA PO BOX 17728, Pensacola, Fl 32501-7728 Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com

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