Catherine Louise Austell Bradley Dearstyne

Catherine Austell Dearstyne passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Springmoor Retirement Community. She fought her illness with courage and grace, and inspired all of us in her passing as she did in her life.

Katie was born in Raleigh, NC on August 3, 1924 to Brad and Alice Walton Bradley. Her father passed away when she was 2. Her mother remarried to Colonel Michael H. Austell, who adopted Katie and loved her as his own child. She loved him dearly, as did we all.

Katie grew up in Raleigh and graduated in three years from Needham Broughton High School and from Woman’s College (now UNCG) in 1945 with a BA in Art. She was a talented artist and worked at Woman’s College and NC State College, and as an illustrator for the News and Observer. She also designed and made her own clothes. She won many blue ribbons at the NC State Fair over the years. Katie volunteered at the North Carolina Museum of Art as a Docent. She was also a founding member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh.

She met and married the love of her life, Roy H. Dearstyne, in 1947. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage and were dedicated to raising their two children. They enjoyed traveling the world in their latter years.

Katie enjoyed being a member of Carolina Country Club where she and Roy played plenty of golf. She was also a member of DAR, the Woman’s Club, and served the community in many ways.

She was a loving, fun wife to Roy, and a “too good to be true” mother to her children.

“The Little Peanut” as she was affectionately known, when confronted with adversity or challenges involving her family and friends, drew on her inner “Tasmanian Devil” with courage, grace, and strength, and never backed down. She always upheld her dignity and honor as a member of “the greatest generation.” Truly, she was loved by all who knew her and has certainly been granted a direct path to Heaven.

Special thanks to the staff of Springmoor and to her special friend, Lucille Perry, and to Transitions Hospice.

She is survived by her children, Holly Dearstyne Norwood and husband, Dr. Thomas Norwood and Dr. Michael Dearstyne and wife, Pamela Dawson Dearstyne; grandchildren, Marcus and Cameron Dearstyne, Sarah Kistler, Cate Dearstyne, Anna Freezor, Kelsey and Alexia Gage; and six great- grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Springmoor Chapel. Private inurnment will be at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.