Our mother, grandmother, sister and friend peacefully returned to her heavenly home to be reunited with her first love, John C. Encinas on Oct. 12, 2005, following a courageous battle with leukemia. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family at her home.

Cathy was born March 14, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pa., to Francisco Conte and Domenica Gallo-Conte. She graduated high school and attended college in Philadelphia. It was there that she became a stenographer and began her long civil service career. While working in Philadelphia, she met and married John Encinas, who was serving in the Navy.

Cathy and John were married in Philadelphia and then transferred to Africa. In 1959, they were transferred to NAS Whidbey where they made their home and raised their family. 

Cathy leaves her three children; John Encinas and Barbara Dougal, both of Oak Harbor and Patricia LaBrash of Bothell. She also leaves her brother Augustine Conte of Florida and her brother Dominick Conte of Hawaii, along with five granddaughters and four grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1991.

In her retirement years Cathy enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling and Dixieland jazz. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Friends of Home Health (Whidbey Hospice) or Whidbey Island Dixieland Jazz Scholarship Fund 3374 SW Grientjes Lane, Oak Harbor WA 98277.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church with Pastor David Lura officiating. Following the service will be a reception in Centennial Hall with music provided by the Dixieland Jazz Band. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.