Catherine Theresa Vacca died of natural causes on September 24, 2016 in Annapolis, MD at the age of 98. Born in Manhattan, NY, Catherine (also known as Kay) was the eldest child of the late Catherine and Rocco Morabito and, as a child, lived briefly in Brooklyn, NY then Newark, NJ where she was raised with her three sisters. She completed her high school education in Newark, NJ with a concentration in business and worked as an executive secretary for approximately 10 years before becoming a full-time homemaker. Married to Louis Vacca in 1941, the couple settled in upstate New York’s Southern Tier after World War II where their daughter, Marie was born and raised. In 1981, Louis retired from his career with IBM and the couple relocated to Maryland. They lived in Severna Park for more than 25 years, relocating to the Annapolis home of their daughter and son-in-law in 2010.
For more than 60 years, Catherine was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed interior decorating, celebrating her Italian-American culture, extended family get-togethers, jogging and activities with her husband as members of the local IBM country club. She and her husband took vacation trips to various parts of the United States including Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. Catherine remained dedicated to her family, especially her devoted granddaughter, Julianna of whom she was so proud. She also joined the Ranger Rosary mission sponsored by St. John Neumann Church of Annapolis. The mission makes rosaries for military service members world-wide.
Catherine was deeply devoted to her surviving husband of 75 years, Louis N. Vacca; her daughter, Marie C. Halka and her husband, Jeffrey P. Halka of Annapolis; her loving granddaughter, Julianna C. Halka of Manhattan, NY; her devoted youngest sister, Rose Mead of Federalsburg, MD as well as six nieces, two nephews, and several grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved middle sisters, Jean Trabucco and Frances Caruso formerly of Newark, NJ.
Friends are invited to celebrate Catherine’s life from 2 pm to 4 pm on Monday, October 3 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Tuesday, October 4 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD. A private family burial will occur at a later date. Condolences may be left by accessing the link on this page.