Cathy Denise Schatz

Cathleen Denise Schatz (Smith), 68, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026. She was born on November 25, 1957 in Puyallup, Washington to Ginette Escamillo and Donald Smith. Cathy was the middle child of five children. She was always nostalgic and grateful for the childhood we shared together. Cathy was raised in the Puyallup Valley and attended Maplewood Elementary, Aylen Jr. High, and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1976. She spent her work career as an independent bookkeeper for many businesses and churches. She was meticulous in her work and always said she loved a good audit. Cathy met Tracy Schatz, of Milton, in 1975 and they were married on October 7, 1978. They shared 47 years together. Cathy inherited a huge extended family with the Schatzes. She loved and enjoyed the company of many in-laws, nieces, and nephews over the years. She spent many fun summer camping trips with them in Oregon. She shared her sewing talent with them over the years by making wedding dresses, costumes, and prom dresses. Cathy and Tracy spent many years creating a beautiful home and property. They hosted many events, including family weddings, Christmas Eves, and many summer get-togethers. Cathy’s touch was everywhere. She was a prolific gardener, and her home will always be remembered for its beautiful flowers, her greenhouse, and her prized berries. Her courtyard was a sanctuary for gathering, a wedding venue, and a place for the occasional Bunco party. Cathy’s life was defined by a great love of family, her faith in God, amazing creativity, boundless generosity, and laughter. She made every occasion extra special with her creative touch. One of her greatest joys was spoiling her nephews and nieces and imparting her wisdom to them. She took every opportunity to make them feel special and loved. Cathy’s passions included gardening, seed-saving, baking, sewing, antiquing, going to the movies, puzzles, and collecting vintage items. She was an old soul, at heart, and she longed for the simplicity of the past. She loved music from the 60’s and 70’s, and she also enjoyed old, classic movies. She cherished childhood friends and memories, and she loved sharing stories from the past. We celebrate Cathy’s life and how generously she shared her wisdom, time, and gifts with so many people. Her treasured presence will be deeply missed by family and friends. The impact of her life can be measured by the love she left behind. Cathy is survived by her husband, Tracy; stepfather Joe Escamillo; sisters Joanne (John) Doss and Lisa (Bill) Squier; brother Don (Cindy) Smith; nephews Jared (Sam) Gese, Ryan (Megan) McDonald, Phillip Squier, Daniel (Heaven)Squier, Brad Burlingame; nieces Megan (Nic) Mans, Gina (Eddie) O’Chart, Betsy (Dan) Bamford; great nephews and nieces: Tristyn, Landyn, Van, Lilly, Penny, Riley, Reese, Grayson, Lily, Chase, Grace, Cole, Tanner, Savannah, Hannah, Addison, and Sawyer; and many beloved cousins. Cathy is preceded in death by her parents Ginette Escamillo and Donald Smith, stepmother Patricia Smith, and her brother, Michael (Robbin) Smith.                                                                                                                                                                       

A family burial service was held on August 28, 2026. We celebrate the beautiful life that Cathy shared with all of us. She will be missed, but we will forever hold Cathy close in our hearts.