Obituary for Catherine Ann "Cathy" Holcombe
Catherine Ann “Cathy” St Germain Holcombe, 66, of Dawsonville, Georgia, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on April 26, 2022. Her cause of death was deemed to be respiratory failure due to complications of cancer.
Cathy was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts on April 10, 1956. At the age of 14, she and her family moved to Michigan, where she graduated from Saline High School in 1974. She later earned a B.A. From Eastern Michigan University in 1978. Cathy completed her schooling with a Master’s in Education and went on to earn a Reading Specialist credential from Lincoln Memorial University in 2003.
Cathy married Samuel Ricky “Ricky” Holcombe, of Crabapple, Georgia in 1985. Their wedding took place in the log home they built for themselves and moved into the day prior to the ceremony. They were very happily married and soul mates for 36 years. They filled out their family with two beautiful children, and later three grandchildren, to whom she dedicated her time and love.
Cathy began her working life at Wiard’s Orchard in Saline, Michigan, sorting apples and working the cash register while still attending high school. During college she worked at the Ann Arbor Hilton, where she admired the French style of service and their goal to bring the table closer together with shared dishes and experiences. After college she taught at a local day care operated by Jackie Tull. Cathy moved to Marietta, Georgia in 1979, where she earned a Georgia teaching certification. She began her teaching career as a second grade teacher in Cherokee County in 1979. Ten years later she moved to Dawsonville, where she continued teaching second grade until 1999 at Robinson Primary in Dawson County. She then moved to Blacksmill Elementary, where her own children attended school until 2003. After receiving her specialist degree, she transitioned to teaching EIP and Title 1 (K-5) students at Kilough Elementary for over nine years. Cathy was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2009 for her continued devoted work. Following 33 years of teaching, Cathy retired in 2012. She became interested in the health benefits of Juice Plus in 2007 and began her own small business with the company. After retiring from teaching, she became an active member of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.
Cathy caught the travel bug early in life and following college, she road tripped out west with a coworker and friend. While her kids were growing up, she and Rick traveled extensively, mainly to visit family. However, the minute the kids left home, Cathy and Rick became “Frequent Caribbean Water” destination enthusiast and regularly ventured west to visit extended family.
Cathy was deeply involved in her community in Dawsonville, which included volunteering her time to her kids’ Scout troops, as well as earning lifesaving and CPR certifications. She took time to teach herself the rules of soccer to help start a youth league. She was also involved with after school care, book clubs, crafting and crafting events, and supporting her husband’s growing tractor repair business by exhibiting his work at the annual Harvest Fair. She also received several recognitions by the Chamber of Commerce for bringing several new businesses into its membership.
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Fernand “Fern” Joseph St Germain and Catherine Ann IV “Kay” Greaney St Germain. Kay and Fern were originally from and met in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Samuel Ricky Holcombe, her two beloved children, Wade Everett Holcombe (34) and Catherine Ann VI “Kate” Holcombe DeTommaso (31), sister Rosemary St Germain Slade, brother Andrew George St Germain, sister-in-law Linda Holcombe, and three beautiful grandchildren; Samuel “Sam” Robert Holcombe, Elise Claire Holcombe, and Charley Rae DeTommaso.
She will be remembered most for being an amazing mom, wife, grandmother known as Memere, sister, and friend. She was always willing to lend a hand and offer loving kindness. She spent time selflessly mentoring others, supporting local business, and operating her own small business.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Holcombe residence on Saturday, June 4.
Cathy was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts on April 10, 1956. At the age of 14, she and her family moved to Michigan, where she graduated from Saline High School in 1974. She later earned a B.A. From Eastern Michigan University in 1978. Cathy completed her schooling with a Master’s in Education and went on to earn a Reading Specialist credential from Lincoln Memorial University in 2003.
Cathy married Samuel Ricky “Ricky” Holcombe, of Crabapple, Georgia in 1985. Their wedding took place in the log home they built for themselves and moved into the day prior to the ceremony. They were very happily married and soul mates for 36 years. They filled out their family with two beautiful children, and later three grandchildren, to whom she dedicated her time and love.
Cathy began her working life at Wiard’s Orchard in Saline, Michigan, sorting apples and working the cash register while still attending high school. During college she worked at the Ann Arbor Hilton, where she admired the French style of service and their goal to bring the table closer together with shared dishes and experiences. After college she taught at a local day care operated by Jackie Tull. Cathy moved to Marietta, Georgia in 1979, where she earned a Georgia teaching certification. She began her teaching career as a second grade teacher in Cherokee County in 1979. Ten years later she moved to Dawsonville, where she continued teaching second grade until 1999 at Robinson Primary in Dawson County. She then moved to Blacksmill Elementary, where her own children attended school until 2003. After receiving her specialist degree, she transitioned to teaching EIP and Title 1 (K-5) students at Kilough Elementary for over nine years. Cathy was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2009 for her continued devoted work. Following 33 years of teaching, Cathy retired in 2012. She became interested in the health benefits of Juice Plus in 2007 and began her own small business with the company. After retiring from teaching, she became an active member of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce.
Cathy caught the travel bug early in life and following college, she road tripped out west with a coworker and friend. While her kids were growing up, she and Rick traveled extensively, mainly to visit family. However, the minute the kids left home, Cathy and Rick became “Frequent Caribbean Water” destination enthusiast and regularly ventured west to visit extended family.
Cathy was deeply involved in her community in Dawsonville, which included volunteering her time to her kids’ Scout troops, as well as earning lifesaving and CPR certifications. She took time to teach herself the rules of soccer to help start a youth league. She was also involved with after school care, book clubs, crafting and crafting events, and supporting her husband’s growing tractor repair business by exhibiting his work at the annual Harvest Fair. She also received several recognitions by the Chamber of Commerce for bringing several new businesses into its membership.
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Fernand “Fern” Joseph St Germain and Catherine Ann IV “Kay” Greaney St Germain. Kay and Fern were originally from and met in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Samuel Ricky Holcombe, her two beloved children, Wade Everett Holcombe (34) and Catherine Ann VI “Kate” Holcombe DeTommaso (31), sister Rosemary St Germain Slade, brother Andrew George St Germain, sister-in-law Linda Holcombe, and three beautiful grandchildren; Samuel “Sam” Robert Holcombe, Elise Claire Holcombe, and Charley Rae DeTommaso.
She will be remembered most for being an amazing mom, wife, grandmother known as Memere, sister, and friend. She was always willing to lend a hand and offer loving kindness. She spent time selflessly mentoring others, supporting local business, and operating her own small business.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Holcombe residence on Saturday, June 4.