Virginia Catania

Virginia Catania

Virginia Catania, 99, was called home by her loving God on September 11, 2018, surrounded by her family and prayer. Born in Erie, PA, on 12/5/1918, she was the daughter of Gustave and Edith (Herbert) Weber.

Virginia was a proud member of the Academy High School class of 1937.Charging the way for women of generations to come, Virginia held a supervisory job at The Resister during WWII and had a successful and fulfilling career in retail management at The Boston Store, Trasks and Carlisles.

After retiring, Virginia focused on her family and spending time with beloved friends. It was difficult to beat her at cards, even up to a few weeks of her death. A Penn State season ticket holder for over four decades, Virginia greatly enjoyed cheering on the team at both home and away games. Virginia enjoyed music and dancing, especially supporting her husband's big band, Charlie Catania and the Stardusters. She loved flower gardening and had quite a green thumb.

A 50 year breast cancer survivor, Virginia volunteered with the American Cancer Society for many years. Her charity extended more, however, to cheerfully doing whatever was needed for her familyand providing any needed support to her wide circle of friends. She was the one who never forgot to visit and send cards to the infirm and lonely and to support those less fortunate in many ways.

She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends and never missed any important event involving her grandchildren, including those out-of-town. Virginia always looked forward to her trips to the beach and to wintering in Florida for many years.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Catania; her son, Alan Catania; her sister, Marcella Weber Elwell and brother, Donald Weber.

She is survived by son, Dennis (Jean Berry) Weber of Virginia Beach, VA; daughters Joy Maria Catania (Herman Dillner) and Gay Marie Catania of Erie. Virginia is further survived by grandchildren Denise Weber (Christopher Popa) of Clarksville, MD; Michael (Lisa) Weber of Virginia Beach, VA; Susannah Faulkner of San Francisco, CA;great-grandchildren Devin, Leighann, Joelle and Matthew;and nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her cuddlyfurbaby, Annie.

Virginia and the family would like to acknowledge and express sincere appreciation for the enormous, expert and loving support provided by numerous medical providers and facilities and particularly Heartland Hospice for helping both her and her family get through her last days at home peacefully.

All arrangements will be private.

Memorials may be made to the Maria House Project, 1218 French St. # 7, Erie, PA 16501 or to a charity of one's choice.

The John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, is handling arrangements.