Catharine Stevenson Grimes

Formerly of Beaver, Pennsylvania and Asheville, North Carolina — December 20, 2025

Catharine Stevenson Grimes, 89, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 20, 2025. Born with an abiding love for music and a steadfast faith, Catharine (Cathy) devoted her life to glorifying God through her gifts and service.

A graduate of Wilson College, Catharine’s musical talents were a blessing to countless congregations. For decades, she faithfully served as organist, choir director, and bell choir director for six Presbyterian churches across Western Pennsylvania, culminating in 37 years of ministry at North Branch Presbyterian Church. Even in retirement, her passion for worship continued as she joyfully rang handbells at Fletcher United Methodist Church in North Carolina.

Catharine’s life was a beautiful harmony of faith, family, and music. Her home and garden reflected her love of God’s creation, and her warmth, humor, and unwavering optimism drew others to her. She delighted in skiing and treasured vacations along the coast of Maine and in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada. And in quieter moments, she savored life’s simple pleasures, refreshing lemonade on a sunny afternoon, long restorative naps, and the bliss of soaking in a hot tub, all with a twinkle of joy that made those around her smile. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Penguins fan and believed it was perfectly fine to add a splash of lemonade to single malt scotch, a playful touch that reflected her spirited approach to life.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Jane S. Yazzie; brother, David T. Stevenson; sisters-in-law Cornelia Bryan, Cheri Stevenson, and Hilde Stevenson; brother-in-law Larry Yazzie; her children Jennie R. Grimes, Scott Mc. Grimes (Anita), and Bruce D. Grimes (Holly); her grandchildren Samantha G. Reynolds (Matt), Mackenzie G. Aldridge (Matt), John D. Grimes, and Benjamin L. Grimes; and five great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John M. Grimes.

A celebration of life will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester, PA in late April. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Habitat for Humanity. May her legacy of faith and music continue to inspire all who knew her.

Her family rejoices knowing she is now part of the heavenly choir she so often imagined.