CATHERINE DALE

WILSON GILLERAN

Catherine Dale Gilleran passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. Originally from Seattle, Catherine was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Sears Wilson.

Her beauty, wit and stealth sense of humor kept friends and family engaged for hours. Her three boys, James, 16, Daniel, 13, and Matthew, 11, were the loves of her life. She was proud of each of them and their athletic and scholastic accomplishments.

Born during a parade at West Point, N.Y., her father, Wayne Wilson, cleared a path and she was led by a military band and police escort so his wife, Susan, could deliver Catherine at the hospital in time. Catherine grew up in West Seattle and always thought of that as her home. At Christmas she would ask for local Seattle favorites to be sent to her, including Oberto Beef Jerky, Duke's Chowder, Taco Time Crisp Beef Burrito, Frango Mints and Tim's Cascade Chips.

Always beautiful and brilliant beyond her classmates, Catherine could have chosen any career. It was the one of motherhood that she sought and loved.

Catherine is survived by her father, Wayne R. Wilson; stepmother, Tamara A Wilson; her grandmother, Rosina Wilson; Uncles Steve and John Wilson; as well as cousins, all living in the Puget Sound area. Also surviving are her former husband, James Gilleran, and their three boys, James, Daniel and Matthew, who will live with their father in Key West.

Catherine will rest with her mother in Seattle at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Florida Keys.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at the Southernmost House in Key West.