Cathryn “Cathie” Louisa Bartel (Chimienti) was born, August 12, 1946 in Sanger, California to Frank and Mari (Mangere) Chimienti. She was the oldest of three children, Dallas “Brent” and Frank, Jr. Cathie was raised on a farm in Dinuba, California where she with her parents alongside her brothers would work in the grape and orange fields. Cathie attended Dinuba High School, Dinuba, California class of 1965 and prior to her graduation was a finalist in the National Raisin Festival Queen Contest, in 1964.
Following graduation in 1965, she attended beauty college in Reedley, California, married and later had a daughter, Stefanie LaVigne (Bartel). Cathie enjoyed styling hair for her mother and all her friends. In addition to loving the newest hair trends, Cathie had a passion for music, art, reading, fast cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles – she was wild at heart! She was truly a talented artist, creative and funny. Cathie also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, crafts and putting puzzles together. There wasn’t a person she met that was a stranger. She would “chat it up” to anyone telling jokes, stories or sharing endless tidbits of information she picked up here and there. She had a huge heart and loved to laugh!
Cathie attended Phillips Junior College, Clovis, California where she obtained an Associate Degree of Arts in 1992. Cathie was a member of First Baptist Church in Dinuba, CA lead by Pastor Rick Foddrill, predecessor to now retired Pastor Tom Carter.
After the decline of Cathie’s health, she passed on Monday, July 14, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Dallas.
She is survived by her daughter, Stefanie and her husband Steve LaVigne (whom she truly adored!); her brother Frank Chimienti, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth; Tammy Chambers (sister she never had), nieces Nicole Parker, Brandi Chimienti, Taylor Chimienti; nephews Joey Chimienti and Dylan Chimienti; including other family and friends.
Your tears are sacred. He doesn’t dismiss your pain; He collects it. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” (Psalm 56.8).
