August 28, 1966 – April 26, 2020
Catherine Anne Decarlo, 53, Noblesville, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. She was born on August 28, 1966 in Chicago, Ill.
Cathy had a seizure at 12 months that was followed by several over the next two years. After extensive neurological testing, she was diagnosed as profoundly mentally handicapped with a cognitive age of 18 months and cerebral palsy. Cathy lived at home for 14 years. She was incorporated into our lives and not someone we lived “around.” Music was something we all enjoyed and shared. Cathy clapped and swayed to the music and laughed. She loved listening to “records” and watching Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers on television. She went to Tri County school in Noblesville, loved being in the heated pool and throwing balls in the wonderful soft floored gym. The day came when she couldn’t be cared for at home because of her handicaps. She was in a wheelchair and our stairs were becoming an obstacle. A residential group home was an easy transition for her as we brought her home for weekends and visited often. She continued going to Tri County until her graduation.
After school was completed, group activities continued at the home which included singing, music, crafts and watching movies and television. The staff who cared for her through the years were amazing. Cathy was content with her life. I always said, “If Cathy is not near the one she loves, she loves the one who is near.”
She was in the hospital the last few weeks of her life and when they could do no more for her, hospice was called in and we were allowed to see her the last week in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were glad to have the time with her and were assured she suffered no pain. Thank you to hospice and the Riverview Hospital staff and nurses and doctors. She went home to the Lord and we are grateful for our God and His comfort. I tell you all this to show you my Cathy as a handicapped person who lived a life that meant something to all who knew her and loved her.
– Written by her mom, Janice Decarlo
She is survived by her mother, Janice Decarlo, Noblesville; her father, Andrew J. Decarlo, Fort Myers, Fla.; her brother, Andrew M. Decarlo, Noblesville; her sister, Teresa Decarlo, Anderson; her nephew, Brian Platte, Denver, Colo.; her aunt, Phyllis Simons, Branson, Mo.; cousin, Diane Hartenback, Houston, Texas; and her uncle, Ray Johnson, Birmingham, Mich.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Platte of California, in 2004.
A memorial service will be held at a later date this summer at Randall Roberts Funeral Home when we can gather together.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Elysian Foundation, c/o Tamala Grabb, 1812 Walnut Way, Noblesville, IN 46062. This organization provides gifts for all the residents of group homes locally at Christmas.
Condolences: randallroberts.com