Mary Catherine "Cathy" Barta

Poland - Mary Catherine "Cathy" Barta, 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley's, Hospice House.

Born August 23, 1946 in Cleveland, OH, Cathy was the daughter of the late Nicholas R. (Sr.) and Katherine L. (McCarthy) Sheehan.

A 1964 graduate of Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Cathy furthered her educational pursuits and received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Baldwin Wallace College. Cathy dedicated her career to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher at Sheffield Lake City Schools for 29 years.

On July 12, 1968, she married James F. Barta, and they celebrated 44 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on December 6, 2012. Together, they made their home in Berea, OH, where they raised their family. Shortly after Jim's passing, Cathy moved to Columbiana, OH and most recently resided at Woodlands Assisted Living in Poland, OH.

A woman with an unwavering faith in God, Cathy attended St. Mary's Church in Berea and was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Columbiana. Possessing a true servant’s heart, she was an avid member of St. Jude’s JOY Apostolate as well as the Women's Guild, the Vianney Rosary Cenacle and Caritas of St. Jude. Cathy especially cherished the friendships she created with fellow parishioners.

In her leisure time, Cathy found joy in water exercise classes and enjoyed the time spent with her classmates. Cathy not only had a soft spot for children and her students, but also for animals. Through the years, she enjoyed the companionship of her dogs and watching the birds at the feeders in her yard.

Cathy leaves to carry on her memory, her children, Amy (Rick) Clark of Poland, OH and Tim (Amanda Kohari) Barta of Westfield Center, OH; five grandchildren, Jake and Zach Clark, Addison and Nick Barta, and Sierra (Gabe) Heydinger; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Heydinger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 29, 2024, 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 180 7th St., Columbiana, OH 44408. Lunch to follow at Riser’s Tavern on the Links, Columbiana.

Cathy's love language was through giving and she will be fondly remembered by the many recipients of her generosity. She always lived by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. So please, do a loving act of kindness, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” to someone in her memory.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Cathy's name to: St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, Caritas Poor Fund, 180 7th S., Columbiana, OH 44408 (online giving: https://www.osvhub.com/stjudechurch/giving/funds); or Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, Season of Giving Campaign, 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.