Cathy Normile, a beloved mother, grandmother and educator passed away on February 8th, 2024 in Tillamook, Oregon, at the age of 86 following a brief illness.
Cathy was born on January 30th 1938 to Phillip and Agnes (Pendergast) Galluzzo in Hood River, Oregon. She was raised in Portland with her two siblings, Margaret and Phillip. Cathy attended Immaculata High School, worked at Meier and Frank department store, and attended Portland State University, where she studied Education and graduated in 1960. Shortly after graduation, Cathy married Donald Normile. She accepted her first teaching job which quickly turned into a career.
Cathy and Don moved to California where their children, Suzy and Steve were born, then returned to Portland shortly thereafter. In 1968, they moved to Tillamook, where Cathy started teaching at South Prairie Elementary School.
Cathy led a very active life as a mom to Suzy and Steve, a grandmother to Isabella Sassi, Joe Sassi, Nate Normile, and Adrienne Normile, and a teacher of nearly one thousand South Prairie first graders across 30 years. She got a special kick seeing her former students grown and contributing around the county.
Cathy enjoyed traveling the world, with her friends and walking groups, and especially with her family. Cathy had a great fondness for Ireland, Scotland, and Italy among other countries. Some of her favorite travel included trips with Steve and his family to Europe. Cathy fondly recalled a special trip with Suzy and Steve to Venice and Northern Italy.
At home, Cathy appreciated the beauty of the Oregon coast, reading books from her beloved Tillamook County library, and the friendships forged when exercising with the Strong Women group.
Cathy loved her family. She cherished her time with them, enthusiastically celebrating important milestones and holidays.
Cathy is pre-deceased by her parents, and her brother Phillip and sister Margaret.
Cathy is survived by her daughter Suzy, Suzy’s husband Pete, their two children Isabella and Joe; her son Steve, Steve’s wife Erin, and their two children Nate and Adrienne as well as several nieces and nephews.
The Normile and Sassi families would like to thank the dear friends of Cathy, with a special note to Margie Howard for her unwavering support, care and love.
A memorial service to celebrate Cathy’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 2411 5th Street in Tillamook on April 6th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cathy’s treasured Tillamook County Library in honor of her love of children’s literature.
