January 2, 1961 - October 24, 2025
Visitation
Friday, October 31st, from 6-8 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home & Saturday, Novmber 1st from 10-11a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church
Service
Saturday, November 1st, 2025, 11a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church
Celebrating the Life of Catherine Grota Sahlin
January 2, 1961 – October 24, 2025
Catherine “Cathy” Grota Sahlin, age 64, of Westerville, Ohio, found peace on October 24, 2025, at her home with her loving husband and family by her side, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Cathy lived a life filled with creativity, love, and laughter. Born on January 2, 1961, in West Lafayette, Indiana, Cathy was the eldest of four children to Lee and Mary (Peterson) Grota. She grew up in Penfield, New York, where Cathy met Ken Sahlin while attending high school. Together they lived “the greatest love story ever told” and built nearly fifty years of memories- from growing up together in high school, to attending Purdue University, starting a family in Boston, and ultimately establishing a warm and welcoming home in Ohio. Along the way they visited and camped in many of the country’s most majestic National Parks; they were always ready to explore new adventures together.
Cathy was a designer through and through- her eye for fabric, texture, and detail carried her from a Boston bridal shop to BalletMet in Columbus, and ultimately to a long career in children’s fashion with Limited Too/Justice. She loved fashion, but her greatest designs were her three sons, Trent, Kevin, and Tyler. With grace and humor, Cathy managed a bustling home full of boys and pets, making it all look effortless.
Rarely without a smile or a story, Cathy was always ready to share a laugh or an encouraging word. Known affectionately as a “Chatty Cathy,” she brought warmth and cheer wherever she went, whether it was at home or among friends and family.
Cathy had a gift for seeing beauty everywhere- whether in a musical score, a child’s art project, or a well-sewn costume. She shared that gift freely, volunteering her time and talents to schools, theater groups, and the Saint Paul’s Church Choir, where her singing voice reflected her joyful soul.
She loved staying active by hiking, jogging, biking and cross-country skiing, oftentimes with Ken right there with her. Cathy also shared many interests with her mom that included gardening, genealogy, and antiquing- often with an eye towards historical period clothing.
Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Ken; their sons, Trent, Kevin, and Tyler and grandchildren Everett, Leah, Graham, and Palmer; and her younger brothers, Steve, Mike, and Carl. She is reunited with her parents, Mary and Lee, who surely greeted her with open arms.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Catherine’s memory to St. Paul’s Catholic Church - and please include "for the Music Ministry" on your check or correspondence.
Mom – you will always be close to us and forever in our hearts! We love you and miss you, and are so thankful that you’ve found peace.
--Your loving family, Ken, Trent, Kevin, Tyler and Koda
Condolences
Lisa Grandmaison - Oct 31, 2025
Rest in peace, may God be with you
Dara Davis (Miller) - Oct 30, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. I worked with her at Limited Too/Justice for a number of years. My prayers to the family. She loved you all very, very much!!
Nancy Montesdeoca - Oct 30, 2025
I will forever keep Cathy in my heart. She was one of the most authentic and happiest of souls and a great friend.
Meg Andronaco - Oct 29, 2025
I was in Cathy’s high school class in Penfield, NY, where we had some classes together and we both were involved with water ballet in the fall season. Cathy’s smile and warm personality just lit up the classrooms and hallways of that school. I always enjoyed being in her presence and felt lucky to have seen her at our 10th reunion (where my fiancé - now husband - met her at check-in and said, “wow, you sure smile a lot, I bet you were a cheerleader.” To which she smiled even bigger and replied, “I was!” Was even happier to see her and chat a bit at our 40th reunion where I swear she had not changed a bit, and you could spot her from across the crowded room by the beacon that was her signature smile. My very heartfelt condolences to all of Cathy’s family and friends. ❤️🩹
Steve Polovick - Oct 29, 2025
Ken, wishing you peace.
Kathy Hendricks - Oct 29, 2025
Loved being with her in choir. She was always smiling, kind, and fun. I know she’s singing with the choir of Angels.
Dorothy and George Pilcher - Oct 29, 2025
Dorothy and I were both shocked and deeply grieved to hear of Cathy's passing--she was so kind, vibrant, and creative and made friends with everyone with whom she came into contact. Dorothy and I knew her when our son, Gregory, and her middle son, Kevin, played baseball together and I also sang with her in the St. Paul the Apostle choir. She lived life to the fullest, and "gave her all" to everything that she undertook. To Ken, Trent, Kevin, and Tyler we hope that this sad time will be leavened with job in knowing that Cathy "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her. Let us all take comfort knowing that our friend Cathy is now able to see the Face of God.
Deb Fialkowski - Oct 29, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like Cathy was a joy to be around and sounds like she loved life. May God comfort you and your family.
Ann Gorectke Haug - Oct 28, 2025
Thinking of Cathy always makes me smile. She was fun, funny and approached everything with joyful exuberance. She was the life of any gathering. I am very sorry for your loss, and glad she is at peace now. In fact I think I can hear the distinct sound of the combined Cathy/Mary laugh now!
Linda Gorectke Thayer - Oct 28, 2025
Sahlin and Grota families, so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a positive ray of sunshine that will be missed, she made everything more fun.
Jeff R. Lamb - Oct 28, 2025
Ken, Going Kayaking with the two of you was one of the great joyful moments of my life. Thank you. I am so so sorry for your loss.