Catherine Elizabeth Smith of Camarillo, CA left this earth for her heavenly home on December 27, 2017, at the age of 91.  Catherine was born on December 18, 1926 in Oxnard, CA to Leopold & Katherine (Cloyne) Gisler at St. John’s Hospital. Catherine attended Santa Clara Elementary and High schools, graduating from Oxnard High School in 1944. She attended Ventura College, receiving her Associates degree. Catherine was a lifelong resident of Ventura County and very proud of her Irish/Swiss heritage and her Oxnard roots.

Catherine grew up on a farm owned by her Grandfather, Thomas Cloyne, in Oxnard, CA. Some of her fondest memories were running through the alfalfa fields with her dog Spotty, helping her parents with farm chores and spending time with her family, especially her brother and sister and her Aunt Mary (Mamie). Catherine started working at a young age. She held positions with Mira Loma Flight Academy, the office of Dr. Charles Tilly, Maulhardt Equipment Co., Oxnard Union High School District Office, and Huntsberger Equipment Co.  However, the career she was most proud of was that of a Homemaker. Together with her husband Reed, she raised three children. In later life, she volunteered and helped in providing care for her grandchildren. For 31 years, Catherine volunteered in the Thrift Shop at Mary Health of the Sick Convalescent Hospital, where she made many friends. She supported Life Centers of Ventura County by answering the “hotline” calls and together with her sister Eleanor, chaired the annual fundraiser luncheons for many years. For ten years she taught Religious Education through St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.  She was a 4-H Club Project Leader, and was active in the Oxnard school system PTA program. She found all of her volunteer work to be very rewarding.  Catherine also helped to care for her aging parents, as well as helping elderly friends and neighbors.

Catherine truly loved getting to know people and wasn’t afraid to ask questions in order to get to know them better! She loved home decorating, open houses, and a good cup of coffee.  She loved fiercely; she was proud of her Catholic faith and even more proud of her family.  She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Catherine and Reed were married for 62 years until Reed’s passing in 2015. Through life’s up and downs they remained devoted to one another, passing on a legacy of love, faith and family.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Reed, her son Mark, her brother Stanley L. Gisler, and her daughter-in-law Pamela Geisler.

Catherine is survived by her son Thomas Smith, of Commerce City, CO; daughter Katherine Quantock (Richard) of Camarillo, CA; and her sister Eleanor Banner of Camarillo, CA.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marcus Geisler, Adrienne (Glenn) Jarvis, Ryan (Courtney) Geisler and Jason (Terri) Geisler; Timothy (Jessica) Quantock, Benjamin Quantock and Megan Quantock; and her great grandchildren Reed, Madison, Anderson, Pauline, Amelia, Ava and Grant.

The family wishes to thank Catherine’s devoted caregivers Norma, Demi and Edna for their loving care in Catherine’s last year of life, along with those who lovingly cared for her at Alma Via of Camarillo.

A recitation of the rosary will be held on Monday, January 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Padre Serra Catholic Church in Camarillo, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., also at the church.  Burial will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, with a celebration of Catherine’s life following the interment.  Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, (805) 482-1959, www.conejomountain.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine’s name to Mary Health of the Sick Convalescent Hospital, 2929 Theresa Dr., Newbury Park, CA 91320.

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