Cathy Wachowiak, 60, of Waupaca, died at home, surrounded by her family on February 20, 2013.

She was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on August 29, 1952 to Albert and Marguerite Bablitch. Cathy graduated from Maria High School in 1970. She spent the next few years working and preparing for her next phase of life as a loving wife to her one true love, Don Wachowiak.

Cathy and Don were anxious to begin their lives together and were married in 1973. They had two daughters, Erin and Mandy, and Cathy treasured the opportunity to work full time as a stay at home wife, mother, and entertainer extraordinaire. She always felt fortunate to be home raising her family and being an integral part of her girls’ daily lives. She also found time to volunteer for various organizations, including delivering Meals on Wheels for over 30 years.

In recent years, Cathy experienced great joy in becoming a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. As proud as she was to be a loving wife and mother, Cathy especially cherished her role as “Amma” to her grandchildren. Time spent with each of them was what would bring her joy beyond words.  Cathy and Don enjoyed 38 wonderful years of marriage and countless sunsets together at their peaceful home on the Chain O’Lakes.

Cathy is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Erin and Eric Levine of Temecula, CA, Mandy and Shaun Trudell of Waunakee, WI, and four grandchildren, Lauren, Adam, Aaron, and Molly, her siblings and families, Mary Lou and Jack Adams, Bobbie and Fran Roman, Rita and Steve Eisenhauer, Steve Bablitch and Elaine Kelch, Betsy and Don Ceplina, Dick and Deanna Freiburg, as well as Don’s mother Gazelle Wachowiak and sister Ellen McGaughey and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don in January of 2011; parents, Albert, Marguerite, and Mary Bablitch; brother, Bill Bablitch, and Bob Freiburg.

A Celebration of Cathy’s life is planned for Sunday, February 24th 2013, at the Sky Club in Plover, WI. A time of sharing memeories will begin at 1:30pm with a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ministry Hospice Services or the American Cancer Society.

Boston Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.