Cathryn “Cathie” Debra Araiza Reis, 72, passed away fighting her battle with cancer for 20 years, on May 21, 2025 in Merced, California. Cathie is survived by her loving husband Manuel Reis, sisters: Sally Araiza and Carolyn Araiza, son Anthony Luna, daughter-in-law Lara Luna, and grandchildren: Donovan Luna, Nathaniel Luna, Joshua Luna, Ethan Luna, and Sophia Luna. Her father, Simon Araiza preceded her in death.
Cathie was born on December 21,1952 in San Jose, California. The middle daughter of three girls to Ruth and Simon Araiza. She was an entrepreneur from the start. You would find her going door to door with her wagon selling her mom’s magazines and apples from their backyard tree. She attended James Lick High school and graduated from San Jose State with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design. She opened The Spinnery in the mid seventies, a knitting, weaving, craft shop. Soon after she bought her first restaurant, El Paseo on Tully Road. She added a second location on Story Road in the early 80s and then a third on El Camino Real in Sunnyvale. She was always involved in real estate, making personal investments. In 1995 Cathie got her real estate license. She became one of the top 1% of selling agents in the United States in 2004. This was due to her passion to help people find a home and a better life.
In 2002 the doctors found a mass in her brain that would result in 3 brain surgeries. Over the years the cancer would return and spread.
Cathie will be remembered for her hard work and life-long dedication of helping others.
A visitation/rosary will be held at Allen Mortuary 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, California on Monday, June 2 at 5-7PM with the rosary starting at 6pm.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 8471 Cypress Street, Hilmar, California on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 10am
The graveside service will immediately follow mass to North Hilmar Cemetery 8710 North Tegner Road, Hilmar, California.
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