Cathie Lewis Haspel

Cathie Lewis Haspel, age 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Jacksonville, Florida on October 12. Born in 1949 in Fernandina Beach, she resided there for many years. After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1966, she attended Georgia Southern College, studying Elementary Education. After marrying Troy Lee Haspel of Joe’s Creek, West Virginia, they lived in Maryland before settling in Fernandina. Together, they owned and operated Haspel’s Welding until retirement in 1999. In 2010, she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida.

Cathie loved nature. She enjoyed any fishing, especially off-shore, on the Mayport Princess. She also was passionate about wood-working, sewing, gardening, bird watching, camping, collecting shark teeth and other fossils. Cathie was a charter member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary of Nassau County, and was always an advocate for veterans. She stood for free access to our beaches and parks. She was always active as a homeroom mother and involved in her children’s sports and activities. She has often been referred to as “the life of the party, wherever she was” and “always a free spirit.”

Cathie was preceded in death by her husband Troy Haspel, father, L.V. (Tump) Lewis, and mother Violet Cox Peeples. She leaves behind her daughter Sallie [Damon], son, Roy, [Angel] and stepson Lee [Molly].