WILMINGTON — Catherine “Cate” Oliverio Huff, 64, passed peacefully Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at her home surrounded and embraced by her loving husband and children, after enduring a courageous 19-month battle with cancer.
The eldest daughter of the late Vincent and Kathleen Oliverio, and and one of 11 siblings, Cate was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, where, as a very young girl, she developed her keen maternal and nurturing instincts that would define her life.
Known to her family and friends as a doting caregiver, Cate would travel the country to be with, or by the side of, her loved ones whenever there was a need. All were welcomed to her home with open arms, accompanied by a beautiful smile, infectious laughter and a home-cooked meal that simply could not be matched anywhere on this planet.
There was never a time when Cate would miss an important family event among her extended family members, whether a baptism, shower, graduation, wedding or artistic performance. Cate could always be counted on as the gracious family ambassador, a matriarch who possessed an indomitable spirit and zest for life, family, work and her Roman Catholic faith. This innate and unselfish goodness led her to attend nursing school while raising her three children, leading to a fulfilling 30-year career primarily as an emergency room nurse.
Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and playing ball with her dog, Charlie. Cate delighted in coaching her children in their youth sports programs, as well as traveling the globe to exotic destinations and enjoying family meals. She was known as the first girl of U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975 “Club 34”.
Cate is survived by her lifelong sweetheart and beloved husband retired U.S. Navy Capt. Kurt R. Huff; three adoring children, James Huff (Michelle), Michael Huff and Kathleen Huff (Dee Dee); five cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Emily, Emmett, Miles and Tatum; as well as her devoted chocolate Lab, Charlie. She also leaves 10 siblings, John Oliverio, Mary Oliverio, Margaret Konieczka, Nancy Farinacci, Matthew Oliverio, Patricia Gallorini, Martin Oliverio, Joseph Oliverio, James Oliverio and Monica Stewart; 55 nieces and nephews and 28 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Cate was a true-life force, a treasure to be forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 11600 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Burial rites will be administered privately at the columbarium at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
