Catherine Yates Parrish's Obituary
Catherine Patricia Yates Parrish, born August 23, 1959, in Miami Beach, FL, passed away on February 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 65.
Cathy grew up in North Miami Beach and spent much of her life dedicated to serving others. She worked as a telecommunications operator for the Dade County Fire Department for 14+ years, providing vital communication during emergencies. She also worked for FEMA in New Orleans and Pensacola after devastating hurricanes and served as a Safety Officer at PGS Onshore. Her years of service were a testament to her compassion and commitment to her community.
In the early 1990s Cathy relocated from Miami to Bonifay, Fl where she enjoyed the outdoors, her family and friends, and her beloved animals. She was able to raise horses, mules, dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits. Later in 2008 she relocated to Pensacola, where she spent the last 16 years running her own business, Woof Washers, a mobile dog grooming venture that allowed her to connect with and care for the animals that she adored so much. Her love for animals was paramount in her life, and she formed lasting bonds with her clients, both human and four-legged alike.
Those close to Cathy would agree that she was fueled by determination, intelligence, and a strong sense of integrity. Cathy was beautiful and unpretentious. She was one of a kind and not afraid to take a stand and support her cause with valid, thoughtful reasoning, usually on behalf of those less fortunate. Cathy had diverse interests and enjoyed adventure, travel, and learning about the world. She was comfortable and spent time on land and water. She enjoyed horseback riding, camping, and walking on the beach, as well as cruising on a ship or paddling a canoe, or investigating a coral reef as a certified scuba diver. Cathy was very creative and always ready to learn a new hobby or perfect an old one.
Cathy has many devoted friends who agree that her generous heart, openness, understanding and accepting nature, and willingness to help were a rare and wonderful combination that will be greatly missed. Although her two marriages ended in divorce, she gained the love and admiration of many beautiful children and grandchildren whom she loved and influenced. Each of them has lasting, positive, and meaningful memories of Cathy.
Cathy is a cherished daughter, sister, stepmom and grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her kindness, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to those she loved will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father, Keith Yates. She is survived by her mother, Leah Yates, brother, Jerry Yates (Terry) and sister, Mary Yates Codrick (Vince), beloved nieces and nephews Sarah Yates Rossman (Dan), Taylor Codrick de Torres (Fernando), and Bryce Codrick, step children Tracie Porter MacDonald (Scott), Todd Porter, Lori Parrish Fernandez (Nestor), Manda Ruiz, Traci Lyn Sanz, devoted extended family, countless friends and, of course, by many paws. Cathy’s legacy of care, compassion, and service will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A private celebration of her life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to local animal shelters, pancreatic cancer research organizations, or Big Bend Hospice in Cathy’s honor.
Rest in peace, Cathy. Your light will continue to shine, and your love for animals will never be forgotten.
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