Catherine Angela Wright

Born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on February 12, 1939, Catherine was the youngest of four children of the late Nicholas R. Gerber and Berdetta M. (Lutterman) Gerber. She grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Hales Corners, where she developed her love of people, creativity, and laughter—traits that defined her throughout life.

In the early 1960s, Catherine and her first husband, Theodore W. Gerhardt, moved their family to Racine, WI. There she began a long and successful career in sales, working in direct sales, retail, and real estate. Her natural warmth, confidence, and communication skills made her a favorite among customers and colleagues alike.

In 1979, Catherine moved to Austin, TX, where she began a new chapter. She met Billy E. Wright, whom she married in 1981. Together they built a home filled with family, love, laughter, and many collections that brought them both joy for 44 years.

Catherine was an avid collector and gifted artist. Her passions ranged from dolls and teddy bears to Hallmark ornaments and Mickey and Minnie memorabilia. Her true love, however, was dolls—collecting them, repairing them, and creating her own porcelain dolls. Her enthusiasm grew into a small business, where she shared her expertise through talks and demonstrations.

Those who knew Catherine remember her as vibrant, generous, and full of humor. She always had a funny poem, song, or a clever saying ready on any occasion. Her compassion extended beyond her family and friends—she joyfully donated dolls every year to Brown Santa, bringing comfort and smiles to children in need.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Berdetta Gerber; her sisters Rosemary E. Kos and Berdetta “Betta” Kies; and her brother Donald “Butch” Gerber.

She is survived by her beloved husband Billy Wright; her daughters Dianne Jean VanderWeel (John B.), Valerie Sue Goeppert (Harald), and Laura Lynn Coronado; stepdaughters Deborah Dobernecki, Elizabeth Wright, and Christine Kelm (Charles); grandchildren Ricardo Julian Coronado, Jeselle Angel Coronado, Nicholas Joel Coronado (wife, Danielle), and Jonathan Dobernecki (wife, Jade); and great-grandchildren Leticia Luna, Atlas Joel, Abel James, and Ares Joshua Coronado, River and Arlo Dobernecki.

Catherine’s life was a testament to love, creativity, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, located at 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749, on October 19, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on October 20, 2025, starting at 10:00 am.

A graveside service will follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park, located at 11610 Chapel Ln, Austin, TX, 78748, on October 20, 2025.