Caterina (Cathy) Ruiz de Quevedo was born in a Ukrainian Village in rural Brazil in the State of Sao Paolo on May 8, 1950 and went to be with the Lord on May 3, 2026 in Hendersonville, NC. She is survived by her husband of 54 years and her two sons, Daniel and David and her grandchildren Malia, Dominic, Avery and River and her brothers, Boris, Nicholas and Paolo. Her parents Ignaty born in Moldova, Frosia born in Ukraine and Nadia (Hope) preceded her in death.
Cathy spent her early years in rural Brazil and her first language was Ukrainian. When she moved to the City of Sao Paolo, she learned Portuguese and at the age of 14 moved to NYC where she learned Spanish and English. She attended Hunter College in NYC and met Carlos Ruiz de Quevedo on vacation in Puerto Rico in 1970. They fell in love at rist sight but continued their respective studies apart for two years, she at Hunter College and he at the University of Miami (UM). They married on June 16, 1972 in Queens, NY.
They began their married life in Miami, Florida where Cathy was offered two position – one with Varig Airlines (Brazilian Airline), the other with the University of Miami which included 100% tuition remission for her and 75% for Carlos. They decided that Carlos would study full time and work part time while Cathy work part time and study part time. “Both Cathy and Carlos were the first in their respective families to graduate from college.
Cathy had been a Christian since childhood, but Carlos told her that he was Catholic “his way “which meant he only attended church on holidays. She never tried to push her faith on him, but eventually convinced him to visit some churches and having attended a fellowship dinner I at Granada Presbyterian Church began attending. Carlos came to know the Lord in 1974. They did their best to establish a Christian home. Their lives not perfect, just forgiven by Grace. Carlos graduated in 1974 with a professional 5 year degree in Architecture and Cathy graduated in 1975 with an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts.
Cathy’s work at the UM School of Medicine gave her access to the best medical care in the world which they would need after her Ocular Melanoma diagnosis in 1989. She started as an Administrative Assistant in the registrar’s office and later transferred to the Mailman Center where she became the Administrative Assistant to the director of the Center. She advanced through the ranks and to retire in 2012 as Development Director for the Department of Pediatrics.
Cathy was a devoted mother and grandmother who made it her passion to loo after those close to her. She heled care for her parents as they became older and her father lost his ability to read due to stroke., She helped care for Carlos’ sister who suffered by Parkinsons. She led helped rescue her sister and Autistic nephew who became victims of a greedy daughter in law. Like that there were many other examples where Cathy came to the rescue of others in need..
After retiring to Hendersonville, she became active at Grace Blueridge Community Church where she helped with various Holiday programs. She also became a library volunteer at Hendersonville Elementary School. She also helped at Hendersonville Middle. She was also very hospitable welcoming friends from South Florida and around the world into her home.
After her heroic and sustained battle with Ocular Melanoma for 37 long years with her loving husband Carlos by her side, Cathy’s first friend in North Carolina was her neighbor Debbie Bush. For many years they were inseparable best friends. They shared bible verses and spoke daily. She also would send other friends bible verses every morning. As Debbie and Cathy approached the end of their earthly existence, they said goodbye to each other and Debbie went to be with Lord on Saturday May 2, 2026 and Cathy joined her in paradise on May 3, 2026.
Cathy’s husband of 54 years is celebrating her life with memorial services for their South Friends in their home town in Coral Gables, Florida at Granada Presbyterian Church PCA on May 30, 2026 at 11:00 am. That service will have a live stream component (livestream link). For their North Carolina Friends and surrounding areas, they also will have a Celebration of live service at Kanuga Conference Center; 130 Kanuga Chapel Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.on June 6, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Chapel of Transfiguration followed by a reception at the First Level Lounge. If you have any questions you may text Carlos at 305 510.0647
Condolences may be sent to the Ruiz de Quevedo family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.