Cathy was born to Robert and Ann Brancale in Wyandotte, Michigan on February 19, 1953. Cathy was the second child born to Bob and Ann. Three more siblings would come after Cathy.

During Cathy’s youth she lived on the Navy Base in Grosse Ile, MI. Cathy’s family would eventually move to Bloomington, MN. Cathy worked various jobs, from babysitting to working concessions at Met Stadium during both the Twins and Vikings games and other events, just a few blocks where she lived in Bloomington, MN. Cathy graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1971.

Cathy graduated with her teaching degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Cathy would go on to have a very fruitful career in education. She taught at each grade level – elementary school, middle school, and high school - and in both public/private educational institutions. Cathy’s teaching both supported and inspired many of her students to go on and live very successful lives. Her career supported students who struggled with severe learning disabilities as well as those who only needed someone to believe in them. These experiences would come with both great rewards, but also some physical consequences. Nonetheless, Cathy thoroughly enjoyed working with the youth. She often volunteered teaching catechism classes and supporting her children’s varying activities. Cathy’s teaching career served students in Bloomfield, Shiprock, Farmington, and Albuquerque schools. Ultimately, her health would make her decision to retire.

During her retirement and throughout her life, Cathy enjoyed cooking and baking, meeting and talking with her friends, traveling, attending sporting events, cheering on the Lobos and her MN Vikings. She also enjoyed playing games and stirring the pot with family banter, but most importantly, Cathy enjoyed being a Gramma/GiGi! She loved every moment spent with her grandbabies. Cathy also enjoyed hanging out with her own children and spending time with family. There was never a dull moment when everyone was together. Cathy was the most content when she was surrounded by her family and friends (especially with all the chaos that naturally came with the get togethers!).

Cathy was freed from her body on March 18, 2026, and was surrounded by her children and many other loved ones. She reunited in heaven with her parents Bob and Ann Brancale, her sister-in-law Debbie Zilka-Brancale, numerous aunts & uncles, and many other close family and friends.

Cathy leaves behind her son’s Michael Arellano (Jessica), Aaron Arellano (Bernadette), and her daughter, Amy Arellano. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Sierra Rees (Charlie), Vicente Arellano, Mariela Arellano, Carlos Arellano, and Leandra Esquivel; Great-Granddaughter Dani Rees; Brothers Tony Brancale, Michael Brancale (Lee Ann), David Brancale, and sister MaryBeth Good (Geoff); many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family, and friends who became family!

Cathy’s family would like to thank Jake and Janice Arellano, Barney and Jeanette Baca, and High Desert Hospice for all of their help with caring for Cathy, especially over the last three months.

Cathy’s funeral services will be held at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church (5712 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114). Rosary will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 7:30PM. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10AM. Reception will immediately follow the mass at the St. Jude Thaddeus parish hall. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park (924 Menaul Blvd NE., Albuquerque, NM 87107) at 3PM.

Lastly, the family of Cathy Arellano would like to thank Trujillo Family Funeral Home for their services.