Catherine Anne Bennett

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine Anne Bennett, lovingly known as Cathy or CB, who passed away on July 15, 2026, at the age of 68.

From an early age, Cathy faced more than her share of life’s challenges. Time and again, she met those hardships with determination, resilience, and remarkable strength. She was a fighter—not because life was easy, but because she refused to give up.

Those who knew Cathy will remember her as compassionate, loving, supportive, tough, and funny. She was wonderfully, unapologetically, and uniquely herself. She could be a little messy, she had a stubborn streak, and she lived life on her own terms. Those who loved her would not have wanted her any other way. She was also the kind of person who was always willing to lend a helping hand, never hesitating to be there when someone needed her.

Cathy dedicated many years to serving the public through the Social Security Administration while also spending many years working at Skip’s, a place that held a special place in her heart. She loved the friendships she built there, the familiar faces she saw, and the sense of community it gave her. To Cathy, Skip’s was not just where she worked—it was one of her favorite places to be.

Outside of work, Cathy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved settling in with a good television show or movie, taking trips whenever she had the chance, and trying her luck at the casino. Earlier in life, she enjoyed working on cars and had a genuine love for mechanics. She especially loved the early Ford Mustangs and would be the first to tell you they were her favorite. Whether it was a cold Diet Pepsi during the day or the occasional Seagram’s 7 and Diet Coke shared with family and friends, Cathy appreciated the simple moments that brought people together.

Family was at the center of Cathy’s life. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph Bennett and Julia Bennett. She leaves behind her devoted son, Joseph Bennett III, and his wife, Alecia Ploof; her beloved siblings, Mary (Bennett) Schumacher, Robert Bennett, and Joseph Bennett Jr.; along with many extended family members, dear friends, former coworkers, and everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Though cancer ultimately claimed Cathy’s life, it never defined her. She will be remembered not for the illness she endured, but for the strength with which she lived, the love she gave so freely, the helping hand she was always willing to offer, and the unwavering support she gave to the people she cared about.

She fought through life’s challenges with remarkable strength, courage, and determination. Though her fight has come to an end, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cathy’s life on Tuesday, July 21, at Schimunek Funeral Home in Nottingham, Maryland. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service immediately following.

Rest easy, Cathy. You fought a good fight, and you will be loved, missed, and remembered always.