It is with great sadness that the family of Catherine Howorka Gritter announces her passing on June 17, 2021 at the age of 87. A native of New Orleans, Catherine was born on Jan. 29, 1934 in New Orleans and resided in St. Bernard Parish for 66 years.
Catherine will be sadly missed by her husband of 66 years, Joseph V. Gritter Jr., and their nine loving children: John Gritter (Virginia), Emily Gritter Christensen (Gordon), Gregory Gritter Sr. (Lorraine), the late Kathleen Gritter Martinez (Joe), Laura Gritter Tamor (Kevin), Mary Jo Gritter James (Warren Sr.), Don Gritter (Regina), Gary Gritter (Glenda), and Joey Gritter (Kim).
Catherine will be fondly remembered by their grandchildren, Melissa Modica Hagan (Rick), Darrell Modica, Gregory Gritter Jr. (Gabrielle), Michelle Gritter (Cody), Victoria Gritter (Teddy), Miranda Martinez (Justin), Katherine Tamor Montelius (Jonathan), Mary Beth Tamor Drewes (Dustin), Warren James Jr., Steven James (Amy), Bryan James, Brittany James (Cody), Juliana James, Ashley Gritter Monteleone (Anthony Sr.), Kolby Gritter and Kylie Gritter; step-grandchildren, Joe Martinez Jr. (Tara), Melissa Landry Terluin (James), and the late Rodney Landry; and additional blessings and bonus grandchildren.
Catherine also will be missed by their great-grandchildren, Jovonni Mariano Ramella (Tom), Emily Hagan, Sarah Hagan, Blaine Modica, Gregory “Emile” Gritter III, Lucas Montelius, Nathan James, Parker James, Isabella Monteleone, Anthony Monteleone Jr., Elliott Monteleone and two on the way; and step-great-grandchildren: Asia Landry Chiek (Nicholas), Mariah Guerra, Gianni Domino, Jemma Terluin, and additional blessings and bonus great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents: Evelyn McGill Howorka and John J. Howorka; and her two sisters, Evelyn Howorka and Yvonne Howorka Hattier.
Catherine first met Joe in 1952 at a dance when her father wanted her to tag along with her older sister, Yvonne. Soon after they met, Catherine and Joe started dating and fell in love.
Catherine’s love for and devotion to Joe and their family spanned nearly seven decades. Her life centered around being a stay-at-home mom, and, with the patience of a saint, was dedicated to raising nine children in just 14 years.
As her children grew and had families of their own, Catherine enjoyed sharing their accomplishments with anyone who was willing to listen. She was so very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she carried photo albums in her purse in case she got an opportunity to brag about them, sometimes even to complete strangers.
Catherine enjoyed going dancing with Joe at the Jefferson Orleans in Metairie and could often be spotted at local festivals or family weddings gracefully twirling around the dance floor, always with a smile on her face, always in perfect unison with him.
Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Catherine was a member of St. Louise de Marillac Church in Arabi. Since the storm, Catherine and Joe gave thanks for their many blessings during masses at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Chalmette.
Catherine always put the needs of others before her own and rarely complained about anything. Even in her last days, Catherine was more worried about how Joe would be once she was gone than she was concerned about herself.
Catherine’s legacy will continue to live on through her and Joe’s nine children, 19 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren and counting - all because two people fell in love.
Family and friends are invited to honor Catherine’s memory on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 for visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM., with Father Marlon officiating. Interment will be held at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 during a private ceremony at a later date. Guests are asked to wear face masks during the visitation and service.
Special thanks to the teams at Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care of New Orleans and Home Instead Senior Care for the care and support they provided to Catherine in her final days.
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