Cathy Deno

Cathy Colleen Deno
February 28, 1962 – May 3, 2025

If heaven has horses, a garden, and a bookshelf, Cathy’s already made herself at home.

Born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, Cathy was a woman who found joy in the simple things: riding horseback through the countryside, digging her hands into the earth to grow something beautiful, baking something warm, and getting lost in a good book. She loved to travel, fish, and spend time with the people she loved.

She graduated at the top of her class, and later retired from the PSNS. Also a proud member of the local OWCP. But her greatest accomplishments were in the way she made people feel—heard, supported, and loved without conditions.

Cathy is survived by her sons James Deno (Katie), Tracy Deno (Jennifer), and Larry Sweitzer. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Novi and Buddy, who were always at her side. Cathy was a woman of faith who lived her Christian values through compassion, loyalty, and quiet strength.

She now joins her parents, Ardith and Ronald, grandparents Gene, and Olive; her former husband and lifelong friend, Mike Ritz.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held on July 6, 2025, 7900 WA-106 Union, Washington 1-4:30. Bring stories. Bring snacks. Bring tissues. She’d want both the laughs and the tears.