Cathy DiMambro

Catherine (Catarina, “Cathy”) DiMambro entered eternal rest on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 87, with her family by her side, just as she had always kept them by hers. Cathy filled her life with the love of her family, and in her honor, they now carry her spirit forward: serving one another, showing compassion freely, and loving without hesitation. Born in Valleluce, Italy, to Giovannibattista and Mariantonia Cece, she and her brothers (Pasquale, Giovanni, and Lebaroantonio “Tony”) grew up among the rolling hills, working the land side by side and learning early the sacred meaning of community and being a true “paisan.” It was also in Valleluce that she met her beloved husband, Alessandro “Alex” DiMambro, and together they dreamed of a life filled with possibility, carrying the brave hope of coming to America to build a brighter future for their children. With the support of family, they journeyed by boat from Italy to America, passing through Ellis Island before planting lasting roots in Metro Detroit, Michigan. In those early years, Cathy faced a new world with fearless determination — learning a new language, teaching herself to drive, and working long hours in kitchens to help build a life beside her husband. With the steady support of family, they purchased their first home and continued building a life grounded in family gatherings, cherished Sunday dinners, and the quiet discipline of saving so they and their family could have more. Cathy and Alex were blessed with three children, Anthony “Tony,” Mary, and Alessandro “Alex,” who were the pride and joy of their lives. Together, through sacrifice, long days, and unwavering determination, they built not only a family but a future, investing their hard work into businesses. Everything they built was rooted in their shared commitment to providing stability and opportunity for their children. Yet for all they accomplished, Cathy’s greatest work was done at her table. No matter how busy life became, she always made room for one more. There was forever an extra chair set at dinner, just in case someone stopped by. Her freezer was never without homemade cookies, lovingly prepared and ready to be offered to a neighbor, a friend, or family who happened to walk through the door. To know Cathy was to be fed — not just with food, but with warmth, comfort, and belonging. Her generosity was not reserved for special occasions; it was the rhythm of her everyday life. She showed up in moments of celebration and in times of sorrow, often arriving with a dish in her hands and compassion in her heart. Caring for others was not something she did — it was who she was. Her spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to family live on through her beloved children, Tony (Kathy) DiMambro, Mary (the late Dean) Elliott, and Alex (fiancée Krystal Menzo) DiMambro, who carry forward the values she instilled in them every day. She was a cherished and adoring grandmother to Christine (Kevin) Foucher, Danielle (Keith) Young, Joey (fiancée Bethany Brooks) Elliott, John Elliott, and Caterina (Sam) Polina, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Nothing brought her greater pride than watching her family grow. Cathy was also a proud and loving great-grandmother to Karina, Alexandra, Larissa, Kaylie, Anthony, and Tristen, whose lives were brightened by her warmth and gentle presence. She is further survived by her dear brothers, Giovanni Cece and Tony (Susan) Cece, with whom she shared a lifelong bond rooted in their Italian upbringing and shared memories of home. Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Giovanni and Maria DiMambro, her brother Pat Cece, her sisters-in-law Shari Cece and Helen Cece, and her son-in-law Dean Elliott. Her family welcomes all to honor her memory: · Visitation: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 3-9pm, with a Rosary at 7pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 54880 VanDyke @ 25 Mile Rd, Shelby Township. · Funeral Mass & Instate: Thursday, February 26th, 2026, starting at 9:30am at St. Kieran 53600 Mound, Shelby Township (S. of 25 Mile). · Burial: Cathy will be laid to rest with her husband Alessandro at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan, on February 26 following the Funeral Mass. · Funeral Luncheon: The Italian Cultural Center (43843 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038) following the Burial. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com. You may also upload any photographs you have of Cathy DiMambro to http://bit.ly/3MCcsYg.

Cathy DiMambro

March 30, 1938 - February 20, 2026