Obituary of Cathleen Cama
Cathleen Marie Cama, age 44, passed away peacefully at home in Dover, DE on the evening of March 16th surrounded by her parents, her devoted brother, Joseph, and her Godmother, Cathy Kolb, and her husband, John Kolb. Cathleen was born on December 2nd, 1980, at the Somerset Medical Center in Somerville NJ. She was born with cerebral palsy, which affected her cognitively and physically, but she almost always displayed a happy and sunny disposition.
Throughout her life she lived with her parents, Albert and Patricia Cama, at various locations including Piscataway NJ, Gaithersburg MD, Somerset NJ, and Dover DE. She was a parishioner of St. Polycarp Church in Smyrna DE. She attended the Jerry Davis School in Bridgewater NJ, the Lakeview School in Edison NJ (where she earned an honorary high school diploma), and the Options Day Program in Piscataway, NJ.
Her family referred to her by her nickname “the Bean” and she would often state proudly that she was indeed “Cathleen the Bean.” She loved music and her radio was her constant companion. She enjoyed rides in her van and travelling with her parents to various locations, usually bringing her sidekick, Ted the Bear, with her.
Visiting friends and relatives in New Jersey, Delaware, and other states, going out to restaurants, and getting coffee at Dunkin were among her favorite activities. Whenever someone was available to push her wheelchair, Cathleen was always ready for walks around the neighborhood or any place else that she might be. She loved wearing bracelets and watches, especially those belonging to other people. Her trademark phrase was “whistle when you work,” which she repeated frequently as she went through her day.
Cathleen touched many lives and brought so much joy to her family and others. She will live on fondly in the memory of those that knew her and will be missed, not only by her immediate family, but by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A visitation will be held 2-4 PM Saturday March 22 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977.
A visitation will also be held 6-8 PM Tuesday, March 25, at Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854.
Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Wednesday, March 26, at Mary Mother of God RC Church, 157 S. Triangle Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ.
Burial will follow at St. Bernard's RC Cemetery, 551 NJ-28, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Arrangements are by Matthews Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna, DE.