Catherine Elizabeth Verbeten

Catherine Elizabeth Verbeten, age 69, passed away on September 13, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on February 10, 1957 in Cheverly, Maryland. Her life was lived in faith, creativity and entrepreneurship.

A 1975 graduate of Parkdale High School in Lanham, Maryland, she began her young adult life as a nurse aide at a rehabilitation center, she loved working with geriatrics. Then she began a family with her husband Jeff, who was in the Navy. 

Cathy built a life centered on family and moved to the country, Calvert County. She worked in many different areas during her life; clerk at the local store, Buehlar’s Market, Jazzercize Instructor, and opened various small businesses selling products that she enjoyed. Beyond her work, she was involved in her children’s activities, church, and being the older sister to a large family. She loved spending time with family, especially nieces, nephews and grandchildren, teaching art, playing dress-up, and playing tea time. She seemed happiest at the beach, being with children, listening to music, crafting, such as ceramics, sewing and painting. She began a favorite tradition that sparked a fire in the family, decorating Christmas sugar cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin “Buster” and Catherine Elaine Cratty; and husband Jeffrey Verbeten.

Catherine is survived by her loving family, Elisa VanDevander and husband Brian, Katherine Verbeten and husband Jonathan Schell (deceased), Joshua Verbeten and wife Alina; siblings Thomas, Cynthia, Christine, Stephen, Kenneth & Timothy; grandchildren Vanessa Verbeten and partner Jesse Raleigh, Michael Verbeten, Natalie, Madelyn and Dylan VanDevander; great grandchildren James and Ginny Raleigh; and many brothers & sisters in laws, nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and cousins.

Donations in Catherine’s name may be made to: Project Echo, P.O. Box 2764, Prince Frederick, Maryland, 20678. She supported this shelter with homemade meals when she was able.

Services will be private.