Cathy Gerik

Margaret Cathleen "Cathy" (Neumann) Gerik, 75, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Houston, TX after a courageous bout with cancer.

Services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in West, TX with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am followed by Rosary and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West.

Cathy was born July 25, 1950 in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of Bernard John and Rosemary (Murphy) Neumann. She attended St. Anne's Catholic School and graduated from Forest Park High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Speech Therapy and Early Childhood Development from Lamar University and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from UTSA. On May 27, 1972, Cathy joyfully united in marriage with Phil Gerik, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years, until his passing on December 21, 2020.

For 49 years, Cathy was the consummate educator who shared her love and passion for learning. She was fervently determined to help each and every child learn, grow and flourish. Cathy was a teacher and speech therapist in various school districts including La Vega, Mesquite, San Antonio Northside, and West ISDs; and St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Houston.

Strong, funny, caring, and giving, Cathy was devoted to her family. In particular, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and took great delight in their achievements, adventures, and antics. Of equal importance was her faith. Church was a daily and central part of Cathy's life, and in recent years, she was active in St. Mary's Church of Waco Choir and Cantors, Women's Guild, Madonna Group, and Adoration Group.

Cathy was also preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her two children Matthew Gerik and wife Melissa of Kennedale, and Pam De Stefano and husband James of Houston; three beautiful grandchildren McKinley Gerik, Mason Gerik, and Margaret "Maggie" De Stefano; brothers Tom Neumann and wife Susan of Bellingham, WA, Tim Neumann and wife Roxann of Houston; sister Cheryl Kemper of Franklin, LA; brothers-in-law Tom Gerik and wife Carolyn of Robinson, Mike Gerik and wife Cyndi of McGregor; sisters-in-law Karen Bittner and husband Vern of Midlothian, and Ruth Gerik of Arlington; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cathy's family is grateful to the many doctors and nurses who cared for her, and we feel blessed by all who joined her on this journey in prayer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Waco or St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in West.