With great sorrow, we announce the death of our "Cancer Warrior" from Metastatic Breast Cancer on August 13, 2024. Catherine Marie (Giles) Smith was born December 28, 1958. Cathy was the daughter of the late Arthur and Lila Giles. Cathy lived her entire life in Fairfield.

Cathy graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1976. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology from the University of Bridgeport / St. Vincent's School of Medical Technology in 1980. In 1994 she received a Masters of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University.

After several years of working as a Medical Technologist Cathy realized that she loved teaching the teenagers in the Emmaus Retreat Programs she volunteered in. So she got a provisional job teaching Biology and Chemistry at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and she earned the Teaching Certification during her tenure. A couple of years later she went to teach Biology and Chemistry at New Canaan High School, from where she retired.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 42 years Roger, three of her brothers Arthur Giles and his spouse Lynn, Walter Giles and William Giles. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Zdanowski and his spouse Jean. Cathy had numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.

Cathy had a variety of local interests. Annual camping trips to Maine to feed the chipmunks; Square Dancing in Fairfield Squares, where she served as club president; involvement in the Giles Racing Team with her brothers and drove in the women's division. Cathy enjoyed her Ballroom Dancing activities greatly. Cathy's mother taught her knitting and crocheting when she was young and she made many, many gifts for friends and relatives. She also apprenticed in dog training and served many pet owners with her skill. After her original diagnosis of breast cancer, she found she had a talent for painting and produced several portraits and scenes.

In addition to her local activities, Cathy enjoyed world traveling and adventures. She went on a Caribbean Cruise with her brothers and sister-in-law celebrating successful completion of her treatment for breast cancer! She went on Safari to Africa and observed the Annual Great Migration. She did a retreat to Baja California and swam with a whale shark. During her remission she went to the Galapagos Islands to visit the tortoises and fell in love with the blue-footed boobies.

Cathy has been a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 2009 and actively served as an instructor in the Relief Society for many years, as well as helping so many at the Hartford temple in Farmington, CT.

In summary, Cathy led a life of Faith in God, Love of others, Courage facing a devastating disease and Service to those she engaged.

Viewing hours are Sunday, August 18 from 3 to 6 pm at the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull, CT. The funeral will be Monday August 19 at 10 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 26 Bonnie View Drive, Trumbull, CT.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to Swim Across the Sound c/o St. Vincent's Medical Center Philanthropy, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606. Please mark donations "For the nurses".

Swim Across the Sound, c/o St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation
2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606
Web: https://swimacrossthesound.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=637656c5acd80b351146f576