Catherine Laraine (Cathy) Wattell, 78, of Ventura, California, passed away on June 10, 2025 in Ventura, California. Cathy was born in Riverdale, Maryland, to Arthur and Ruth Erickson on October 26, 1946. She attended Robert E. Peary High School in Rockville, Maryland, and graduated from Santa Maria High School in California, later also earning an associate degree.
One of five children, Cathy had a deep love of family, always keeping in close touch, even through succeeding generations. She liked to travel, visiting Switzerland several times, Italy, and many of the United States, from Arizona through Alabama and throughout the southern East Coast.
Cathy and her husband Jim Wattell were together for forty-three years. They hosted many festive family gatherings at their homes in Ventura and Santa Paula.
Cathy worked in banking for several years, then spent 18 years working for the city of Ventura. During this time, she also volunteered with the Ventura County Medical Center Auxiliary, assisting with admissions and patients. She received a special award for her 20 years of volunteer service. In addition, Cathy often assisted elderly family members.
She also had many friends, belonged to a bunco game group, and often organized gatherings for family, work, and other social events. She loved animals, giving a home to several rescued pets, was talented at crochet, and enjoyed other crafts. Cathy enjoyed 1970’s music and dancing.
Cathy was much loved and will be greatly missed. She is survived by sisters Donna Erickson and Sherry Gorman, brother Eddie Erickson, and Jim’s children Dawn and James and grandson Parker. She is also survived by nieces Faith, Marilou, Kelly, Tracy, Amy, Candice, their children, and nephews Stan and Michael. Cathy’s husband Jim died in 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Milton Townsend, and nephew Timothy Gorman.
Private arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ventura County Medical Center Auxiliary or to Santa Paula ARC (SPARC) animal rescue center.