STURBRIDGE_ Catherine A. (Sharkus) Van Roon, 65 of Sturbridge passed peacefully in her home on July 24, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Richard Van Roon; son, Alexander Van Roon; sisters, Judith Williams and her husband Gary, Cynthia Vokes and her husband Gregory; Brother, Walter Sharkus and his wife Mary; sister- in-law, Astrid Messing and her husband Tom, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Joyce Bujnowski and her husband James. Catherine was born in Worcester, a daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Proia) Sharkus.
Cathy grew up on Vernon Hill and attended North High School. Her father loved to take her to the Red Sox games, as she loved baseball. She loved her Italian heritage from her mother and loved to cook and learn to prepare Italian dishes. She had fond memories of going with her family to the Lithuanian Club in Shrewsbury.
Cathy loved to dance and danced in many competitions and eventually became an instructor. Rod Stewart was her idol. She was once kissed by him during one of the many concerts she attended. “Forever Young” was her favorite Rod Stewart song. She had various sales jobs with different companies. She held a position as District Sales Manager with Holland American Line, where she met her husband. They were married in June 1994. They settled in South Grafton, where their only son Alexander was born. She operated a home day care for over 20 years and shared her love for children in order to be at home with her son, whom she loved dearly.
As a family she traveled all over the world. They owned a condo in Wells, Maine where she lived after retiring, spending time together enjoying the serenity of the ocean at their peaceful place. Recently they bought property in Sturbridge where she passed peacefully in the comfort of her home.
A private graveside service was held in Worcester County Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Highfields Golf Club, 42 Magill Dr., Grafton, MA 01519. DIRSA-MORIN Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St., Worcester is assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a memory or a message of condolence please visit www.worcesterfuneral.com