Catherine Smith

Catherine M Smith, 73, of Toledo, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Oh. Cathy was born on July 29, 1951, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. The daughter to the late Frank and Helen C. (Kijowski) Gongola. Cathy obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo in 1988. In her early career she taught mathematics before starting a career at TV5 where she helped start the channel. She managed that station for 10 years before transitioning to Buckeye Cable System where she managed Master Control for 15 years. Cathy also was the head of many special projects within the Cable System. She ended her career with the company and retired after 38 years of dedicated service.

Cathy loved to sing and was known to just break into song at a moment’s notice. She had a great memory for tunes and lyrics of all types of music. Other passions of hers include crafting, knitting, and crocheting – all of which she was extremely talented in. She loved estate shopping, traveling and mystery quilt tours with friends as well as solo. Before the covid pandemic and the start of her illness she enjoyed Sunday dinners and conversations with friends. It was a highlight of her weekends.

Cathy joined Dendarah Court # 10 Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America in January of 2003. She jumped in right away and became involved in several of their performing units. One she truly enjoyed was the chorus unit. She became the unit directress from 2022-2024. She also oversaw the Grand Choir for the LOSNA Conventions from 2017 - 2024. Cathy was the High Priestess of Dendarah Court and led the group for the 2016-2017 year.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Page and Leo P. Gongola and her sister Rosemary Salser. She is survived by her dear friends and fellow Shrine members.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 2-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, where a Shriner and Funeral Service will begin at 7 p.m. Burial will be private. Those wishing to leave a memorial donation in Cathy’s name are asked to consider the Dendarah Court #10 Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America.