Catalina "Cathy" Elena Hall

Catalina “Cathy” Elena Hall, 77, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on June 11, 2025. Catalina Elena Herrera Benites was born on March 22, 1948, give or take a few years, to Juan Francisco Herrera Casas and Teodosia Benites Azabache in Trujillo, Peru. Her father was one of the first pharmaceutical chemists in the city who owned a pharmacy and was recognized multiple times by the municipality of Trujillo for the quality of his medicinal products. Her father’s commitment to serve community members in Cathy’s early years heavily influenced her lifelong propensity to help and include those in need. Cathy attended elementary school at Colegio Hermanos Blanco, then completed five years of secondary school at the Instituto de Comercio where she graduated as a technician in accounting and administration. While attending school, she worked at an importing company, Textiles Generales, as an accounting assistant. In 1964, she successfully applied for a public service position at the Universidad Nacional de La Libertad (Trujillo), where she worked as a secretary in the Faculty of Medicine Library. In June of 1970, Cathy immigrated to the United States of America to join her sister Flor De Maria Herrera (Rodriguez). Prior to Cathy’s departure, the Great Peruvian earthquake occurred. Cathy and her family lived through the most catastrophic natural disaster in the history of Peru. To this day, it is still a matter of debate on whether the cause of the disaster was from Cathy’s impending departure from Peru versus the Nazca plate being subducted beneath the South American plate. Regardless of its origins, Cathy persevered through her worry for her family and country and continued her journey to the U.S. After a competitive process, Cathy earned a position at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. During her career, she worked in various departments until she found her vocation as an Administrative Assistant at the Retirement and Pension Fund. She was responsible for organizing, collaborating, contacting, and filing the retirement and pension information for all retirees located throughout the Americas and Europe. Cathy made and maintained many friendships from her time at OAS. In addition to her career, Cathy volunteered as an interpreter for the Smile Foundation and traveled with their doctors through Peru as they performed pro bono surgeries for children born with cleft palates. She found her volunteer work deeply rewarding, especially as she witnessed the delight of the children enjoying their new smiles and the relief, happiness, and gratitude of their parents for a surgery they never thought possible. Cathy met the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” LeRex Hall, while living in Alexandria, Virginia, via her sister’s boyfriend, and eventual brother-in-law, Carlos Rodriguez. Cathy and Ron married on May 24, 1975, and they had two children, George and Ronald. Cathy was a vivacious person, a devout Catholic, a loyal Washington Commanders fan, and a proud citizen of both Peru and the United States. She was an early riser and loved her morning walks. She never stayed still for more than a few minutes before cleaning, cooking, or one of the many other chores she spoiled her family with. However, she was not all work and no play. Cathy had a very mischievous sense of humor, resulting in a laugh and smile that would light up the room. When she was with her sisters, their laughter would become infectious until one or all would be racing to the bathroom. She loved her practical jokes which ranged from throwing paper balls down a sleeping carpool rider’s shirt or cracking anyone’s toes that were within her reach. Although she would never admit it, she loved her gossip and would be routinely heard whispering, “I don’t want to say anything…but” before spreading said rumors. Cathy also loved her bingo and slot machines and had her own routine and prayer she performed to help her win. Regardless of whether she won or was waiting to win, she was very generous and eager to help those in need. From a young age, she was a noble, kind-hearted person who exemplified love, duty, and loyalty to family. She lovingly arranged trips to and from Peru, bringing her sisters and family together to share cherished moments. She was always the person that would sneak a gift of candy or money to make your day a little brighter. And when you needed more, she would be there. She was a mother and friend to many. As in life, so as in death, Cathy continued her altruism through her organ donor wishes which resulted in her saving the life of another person. The world was made brighter for all that she gave but it is also a little dimmer now for having lost her. Her memory will continue through the people she helped and influenced as we continue to spread her kindness to others and may it be as infectious as her smile and laughter. Cathy will be dearly missed by her children, George (Jackie) and Ron (Carrie); grandchildren, Natalie, Sydney, Leah, and Dana; great-grandchildren, Layne, Lettie, and Leo; step-grandchildren, Vincenza, Sarina, and Alexander; sisters, Magdalena, Juana, Amalia, and Irma; sister-in-law, Rene; brother-in-law, Carlos; and numerous beloved family members from both her and Ron’s sides of the family. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Teodosia; sisters, Flor and Vilma. She is now reunited in heaven with her late husband, Ron. Please join us to celebrate Cathy’s life on Wednesday July 2, 2025, at 11:00 am for her service at: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 18825 Fuller Heights Rd Triangle, VA 22172 Live streaming of the service: https://youtube.com/live/CbETxK4fe7o In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you donate to the Global Smile Foundation (gsmile.org) or Infinite Legacy (infinitelegacy.org) in her memory. Warm Regards, The family of Catalina E. Hall

Tributes

Catalina "Cathy" Elena Hall

June 11, 2025