Catherine "Cathy" A. McArthur, 84, of Glen Mills, Pa., and formerly of Sanford, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the Suites of AccentCare Hospice in Wilmington, surrounded by her loving family.

Catherine was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., to Catherine (McMenamin) and Alexander Fagan. She grew up in Wayne, Pa., and graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur.

Cathy received her B.S. degree in secondary education from West Chester State College (now West Chester University), becoming the first woman in her family to graduate from college. She began her teaching career in Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., where she taught English for three years. She later moved to State College, Pa. During that time, Cathy worked at Pattee Library, serving as assistant head of the circulation department – a natural fit for someone whose lifelong love of books, language and learning would shape so much of her life.

In 1969, Cathy and her husband moved to Shippensburg, Pa., which became a 27-year chapter in their lives. She paused her teaching career for several years to start a family and embraced motherhood with her whole heart. Her children were among the greatest joys of her life, and she created a home filled with love, encouragement and laughter.

Cathy, always an advocate for reading and education, received her M.S. in library science from Shippensburg University. In 1975, while the family spent the summer at Penn State, Cathy completed an independent study in which she cataloged the private library of author John O’Hara. She published an article summarizing her findings. Cathy was also active in the Shippensburg community and was a member of the Shippensburg Public Library board.

Cathy returned to full-time teaching in 1981 at Fannett-Metal High School in Willow Hill, Pa., and taught a variety of subjects including English, French, public speaking and drama, and she directed the high school plays for several years, initiating the school’s drama program. Cathy, who had a lifelong passion for traveling and learning about other cultures, organized several international student trips during her time as a teacher at Fannett-Metal.

After 14 years of teaching at Fannett-Metal, when Bill and Cathy moved to Cape May Beach, N.J., she then began teaching English at Cape May County Technical High School. She taught at Cape May County Technical High School for seven years, during which time she received the Outstanding Teacher award. Cathy positively impacted countless students’ lives with her love of learning and her generous support for her students.

Even after retiring from teaching, Cathy worked at a bookstore because of her love of books and reading, and she also volunteered to teach English one-on-one to people who had recently immigrated to the U.S. In retirement, Cathy and Bill lived in Cape May Beach, N.J., Naples, Fla., Lewes, and Sanford, Fla. While living in Sanford, they cherished being close to their daughter-in-law and grandchildren, enjoying the opportunity to provide one another with love and support.

Cathy had a lifelong love of travel and adventure. Together, Cathy and her husband explored much of the world, often combining travel with physical challenge and discovery. Among their many epic adventures was a one-day Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon during the heat of the summer. She also treasured her adventures with family and friends hiking the Appalachian Trail, exploring Acadia National Park, and hiking to the summit, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Schilthorn in the Swiss Alps.

Cathy was a beloved wife, loving mother and grandmother, treasured sister, loyal friend, gifted teacher and lifelong learner who left a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to know her. Cathy lived with a generous heart, an adventurous soul, and a deep commitment to family, meeting life’s blessings and challenges with grace, courage, and resilience.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Bill McArthur, who passed in July 2020.

Above all else, Cathy loved her family. She is survived by her loving and beloved husband, William "Bill" McArthur. They were married just shy of 60 years, knew each other for 70 years and considered each other soulmates. Cathy met her future husband when she was 15 years old. They were married Aug. 6, 1966, at St. Katharine of Siena in Wayne, which was her childhood church. Their life together was defined by a deep love, partnership and adventure.

Cathy is also survived by her two daughters, Alexandra, wife of Phil Stoops, and Katie McArthur, wife of Tom Leitch; her daughter-in-law, Stacey McArthur; her seven grandchildren, Erin, Bridget, Rachel, Sarah, Billy, Garrett and Eric; her sister, Marianne, wife of Robert Bialas; her numerous nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and -nephews; and her two lifelong and treasured friendships of Sue (Keeley) Beatty and Chris (Jones) Devine; all of whom were part of the extended family she held dear.

Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of Williams Funeral Home and Burial Services.

Family, friends and neighbors are invited to a visitation beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Parish Center, 576 Concord Road, Glen Mills, Pa.  A memorial service will follow promptly at 2 p.m. in the church, followed by a peace dove release.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Cathy's honor can be made to Cathy’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or Doctors Without Borders.

Online condolences and tributes may be offered, expressed, viewed and shared by visiting 302funerals.com.