Catherine Bartsch

Catherine Rose Allen Bartsch, age 70, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2014 at her home in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Pimental, and her sister, Glennis. Cathy held a Master's degree in music from the University of Rhode Island. She was an accomplished musician, a lifelong educator, and devoted mother. Although she played multiple instruments, her forte was flute and piccolo. Cathy composed songs that are still enjoyed at the Church of the Sacred Heart, New Bohemia, Virginia. During their marriage, Cathy and former husband Paul composed and performed in various musical productions. While a single mother, Cathy was employed by the Fort Lee Federal Credit Union until her retirement. Having a constant thirst for knowledge, she immersed herself in such subjects as World and American history, Psychology, Gardening, and Mathematics. Cathy's love for learning extended to becoming a tutor with the Tri-cities Literacy Council. For a number of years, Cathy was the accompanist for the Choir and the Schola at the Church of the Sacred Heart. She is survived by her brother, Richard Allen and half brother Frank Pimental; her beloved son, Andrew Bartsch-Thompson and his husband, Joseph Thompson Jr; her daughter, Sara Boord and husband, Jason Boord; two grandchildren, Alan Wolosuk and Nathan Gosnell; as well as four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2014 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.