Cathy Powell Noyes, age 80, passed away with her daughter and son-in-law holding her in Huntersville, North Carolina on November 23, 2025.
Cathy was born in Oxnard, California on June 6, 1945, to the late Kenneth Davis and Elizabeth Powell. Cathy was a part of a blended family with late brothers, Christian Davis, Gregory Woods, late step-father Lionel Woods and sister, Virginia Woods.
Cathy was a California girl at heart, graduating from Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, California and working in the machining and aviation industries as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper. Always active, Cathy enjoyed gardening, being outdoors and being a mother and grandmother. Many happy memories were made over the years while trailer camping on the central coast of California, especially at Pismo Beach. Her love of the outdoors soared as she was willing “co-pilot” on many adventures with Edward Waschak in his Cessna airplane on trips throughout the western United States.
In 2010, Cathy chose a slower pace of life and moved to Denver, North Carolina to enjoy Lake Norman and to be near her family. She enjoyed boating, watching wildlife, and especially spending time with her grandchildren, Hailey Gilreath and Chase Gilreath. She never tired of watching them jump off her dock, swim down the cove, kayak, paddle board or catch plenty of fish. She was a super supporter of her grandchildren in attending numerous dance recitals, volleyball, soccer and baseball games. They were the light of her life from the day they were born.
Besides her parents and brothers, Cathy was preceded in death by husbands Charles King Noyes, Jr. (1993) and Edward Waschak (2020).
Cathy is survived by her sister, Virginia Woods; daughters Erica Noyes Gilreath (James son in-law) and Dana Noyes; her grandchildren Hailey Gilreath and Chase Gilreath; sister in-law Sarah Snapp and cousin Susan Lee along with the Rowe, Noyes and Waschak families.
A prayer service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 15, 2025, at The Good Samaritan Funeral Home 3362 (Business) North Highway 16, Denver, North Carolina 28037. The celebrant will be Rev. Carmen V. Malacari, Pastor of Holy Spirit R.C. Church Denver, North Carolina.
Flowers may be sent to The Good Samaritan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247 in honor of Cathy Noyes.
Érica and family, I will always have fond memories of the family celebrations and trips to Pismo with your parents. I’m so happy your mom had the chance to watch Hailey and Chase grow up in North Carolina. She was a proud grandparent because of you. May she rest in peace knowing she was loved.
Sending you all our love and deepest sympathy. Aunt Cathy was a wonderful lady and sure loved you and her grandchildren. Praying you find strength and peace in God’s eternal faithfulness. Constantly in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Erica, thank you for notifying me regarding your mother’s passing. My husband, Edgar, worked with Cathy in the world of aviation. He spoke about her with the deepest respect and appreciation. I was fortunate to have known her during that period, and to continue our friendship throughout the years. She did indeed love her family and community. Both my husband and I loved, respected, and cherished her friendship.
Blessings and Prayers to the family. She loved you all deeply.
Bonnie Ferrera-Grand