Catherine Elizabeth VanReenen, 72, of Brentwood, formerly of Rochester, MA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Cathy was one of the warmest, most genuine, and generous people you could ever meet, welcoming everyone with a vibrant smile, big hug, or a home-cooked meal. She was willing to drop anything to help anyone at any time. She loved truly and deeply, and always let people know how much she cared. She selflessly gave her time, regularly delivering food to the local schools for End 68 Hours of Hunger, along with various other volunteer responsibilities.
Cathy most enjoyed golfing, weekly Mahjong with friends, playing cards, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was always proud to share stories about them. One of her most treasured memories was a recent trip to Jamaica with the entire family.
She was born in Kalamazoo, MI, eldest daughter of the late Richard and Patricia (White) Beebe. Raised in Kalamazoo, she graduated from Portage Northern High School with the Class of 1971.
Cathy met her future husband, John VanReenen, while he was doing freelance photography for the Beebe family newspaper, the MARC-Times Racing News. Cathy and John’s 50th wedding anniversary would have been May 1, 2026.
Cathy and John have been members of the First United Methodist Church of Portsmouth for 25 years.
Over the past 20+ years, Cathy held various roles at Pease Golf Course, Sagamore Driving Range, and Portsmouth Country Club, where she met many friends.
Surviving family members include her husband of 49 years, John VanReenen of Brentwood; children, Robert VanReenen of San Diego, CA, Stephen VanReenen and fiancée Jina Mariano of Austin, TX, and Erica Arcadipane of Stratham, NH; siblings, Nancy, Linda, Vicki, Rick, Tim, and Ted; grandchildren, Maria Arcadipane, August VanReenen, Dominic Arcadipane, Norah Arcadipane, and Eli VanReenen; sisters-in-law, Jane and Jann, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by mother-in-law, Margery (Brewer) VanReenen, father-in-law, Jack VanReenen, and son-in-law, Joseph Arcadipane, Jr.