Catherine Bole

Cathy Bole, our wonderful matriarch, wife, sister, friend, volunteer, …and dancer, has left us. Her passion, strength, and stubbornness to “do the right thing,” her devotion to her family and friends, and invaluable intellect and guidance to her children and grandchildren will always be remembered to all who have known her.

Cathy, one of eight children, was born to Joseph and Mary Sacerich, in Cleveland, Ohio. She entered kindergarten speaking only Croatian, but left high school as the valedictorian whose specialty was mathematics. She then worked as a bank teller and attended what is now Case Western Reserve University. At 21, Cathy moved to San Diego to be with her beau, Woodrow Bole. (They had met at a polka dance in Cleveland.) Woody and Cathy married, and in 1953, moved to a home in Casa De Oro, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Cathy had ambitions to become a pharmacist and attended college with that goal, until it was replaced with the demands of raising four children and opening a successful appliance repair business with her husband. Balboa Appliance opened in 1964, and the business closed in 1991. Cathy has written, “The happiest time of my life was when I was in school and raising my children. My passions were babies and dancing.” There were no better dancers than Cathy and Woody, and they filled the free time they had with polka dances and dance parties in their home. Also, the kids in the neighborhood came over to get help with their math homework. After retiring, they also spent many years volunteering at Rady Childern’s Hospital, where Cathy spent countless hours holding and comforting newborns. Later she also volunteered in a local public school to help students catch up on their reading skills. In recent years, Cathy enjoyed reading, knitting, walks with friends, and the highlight of her week – Tuesday’s folk dance class.

Cathy’s husband, Woody, passed three months ago on March 11, 2016. She is survived by her children: Leonard (Linda) Bole of La Mesa, CA; Barbara Lynn (Brian) McMurdo of Valley Center, CA; David (Marilyn) Bole of Enumclaw, WA; Sherrie Lavelle of Silver City, NM. Surviving grandchildren are: Calen Bole; Brett (Missy), Torey, and Micaela McMurdo; Jessica (Chad)Collet and Ashley Bole; Andrea and Evan Lavelle. Surviving great-grandsons are: Hunter and Parker Collet.

A funeral service will be held at Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at 10 A.M., preceded by a Rosary at 9:30 A.M. There will be a Blessing at Cypress View Mausoleum at 11:30, followed by a reception at Cathy and Woody’s home.

Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.