Catherine Elaine Schumacher Van Skiver passed away peacefully on February 4, 2013. She was 85. Her last days were spent with her daughter, Carla, granddughter Jami, and son-in-law, Bob.

Cathrine was born on May 26, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA to Carl and Freda Schumacher. As a young woman she graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor Degree in Science. She then fell in love with Laveral Van Skiver and they married in September 6, 1947 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. They moved to Southern California in l947, and raised their three children, Carla, Rick and David. Catherine was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove California. She served her Lord in many ways through her church. She gave her service in Steven Ministry from l967 to 2000. Her ties with the church extend to her great, great, great grandfather, Frank Gruber, composer, organist , and creator of Silent Night.

Catherine was loved by her family and made friends where ever she lived. She worked with her husband in their business in Garden Grove, California. In 1995 she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and lived with her daughter and son-in-law. There she joined St Marks Lutheran Church in Charlottesville. She was a member of the Midway Women's Club of Crozet.

Catherine was caring, loving, funny , witty and compassionate.

The family would like to thank the staff of Golden Living Center in Charlottesville for all the love they have given Catherine the last three years. To Becky Sholts of Hospice of the Piedmont for all the love she gave her the last six months. Also to all the aids and nurses who took care of her daily.

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Carla Larsen, her son-in-law Bob Larsen of Crozet, Virginia; her son, Rick Van Skiver and wife Beth of Bloomington, Indiana and her son David Van Skiver of Highland, California. Her granddaughters, Jami Larsen of Bellingham, Washington, granddaughter, Cassie Van Skiver McQuinn and husband Mark of Mulberry, Indiana and grandson, Chris Van Skiver of Cucamonga, California. Her granddaughter, Jone Van Skiver of Riverside, California. Her great granddaughter's Maddison Van Skiver of Cucamonga, California and Mackenzie McQuinn of Mulberry, Indiana. Her niece Jan Lyon and husband, Chris and children Katie and Tommy of Honeoye Falls, New York.

A memorial service will be held at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, in March. Pastor Sandy will officiate, Catherine's Memorial Service.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Piedmont of Charlottesville Virginia, the American Heart Association, or the Memorial fund at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Virginia