Catherine Josephine Marks, 85,  passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, surrounded by close friends and family.   Born on November 5, 1939, to Josephine and Ben Pettitt, she was the youngest of four daughters.

Cathy and her sisters, Fern, Roberta and Patricia grew up on their family's prune and walnut tree ranch on Marcella Avenue in Gilroy, California.  She loved the outdoors, animals, music, sports and traveling.   She was a graduate of Gilroy High School, Class of 1957.  Cathy was very active in school clubs and events, often reminiscing of her days with the Band as Majorette beginning her sophomore year becoming Chief Major by her Senior year.  She was a member of the Junior Red Cross, the Pep Club, Girls Sports League, Dance, and Student Council.  She tried out for and became a member of the Lee Berta's Drill Team known as the  "Gilroyans VFW La Senoritas" travelling across many states winning numerous titles.  After High School, Cathy attended Beauty School and began work in San Jose.

In 1959, Cathy met Eugene Marks and three months later they were married.  Together they built a successful business, Eugene Marks Tractor Service, Inc.    In later years, Cathy also worked at the Flying Lady Gift Shop where she enjoyed attending the Buyer's Market and socializing with vendors, guests and customers.

Cathy was an avid Softball player honored for her 37 years  of play with Gilroy Community Women's team as well as a Mother/Daughter travelling team along with her daughter, Bonnie.

Known for her outgoing personality and infectious laugh, Cathy is survived by her devoted children Eugene Marks, Jr. and Bonnie Marks, as well as her grandchildren Julia Marks, Spencer Marks, Meagan Palm and great-grandson, Jack Palm; her loving sisters Roberta Curtis  and Patricia Wiles, and nephews and nieces Jim Colyer, Steve Colyer, Pat Curtis, Pam Curtis, Paula Mancias, and Chris Wiles. Her life's legacy will forever live on in their hearts.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Catherine Josephine Marks will be held on June 27th

Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th St. Gilroy, CA.  Visitation 9am, Service 10am,  gravesite burial at St Mary's cemetery,  900 First St. Gilroy, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her memory to the

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

https://secure.aspca.org/donate/honor?ms=wb_con_mem-sidebar&initialms=wb_con_mem-sidebar&pcode=WEBHONOR