Cathy Custer Obituary

Catherine Ann “Cathy” Custer, 67, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, after a brief illness.

Born on May 10, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, Cathy spent her early childhood in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Riverside, California. She enjoyed being a Camp Fire Girl, taking dance classes, and family trips—memories that stayed with her throughout her life. In 1969, Cathy and her parents and four siblings moved to Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where she attended Swarthmore Elementary School and graduated from Swarthmore High School. An active student, she played basketball, tennis, and field hockey.

Cathy was baptized at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Dayton and was confirmed in her faith at Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore. Trinity remained her spiritual home throughout her life.

Cathy graduated from Lock Haven State College and began her career as a preschool teacher, a role that reflected her patience and nurturing spirit. After several years in education, she launched her own catering business before becoming a chef and manager at Pompeii’s Riddle Ale House in Media, Pennsylvania. Her appreciation for hard work and hospitality was shared through her parents’ family business, The Studio, in Swarthmore, where she valued the time spent working with family.

Her professional life also included administrative roles at Reliable Office Supply in Wilmington, Delaware; Swarthmore College in both the Admissions and Financial Aid offices; America’s Best Eyeglasses; and Delaware County Community College.

Cathy was devoted to her family and friends and found joy in travel, entertaining, crafts, knitting, and gardening. She was an active member of two garden clubs and took great pride in her flower arrangement designs. Cathy earned awards at both the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Media Flower Show, winning honors alongside her mother as well as on her own. Gardening was more than a hobby—it was a cherished family tradition and a source of lasting joy.

A loyal sports fan, she cheered faithfully for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, and proudly supported The Ohio State University athletics.

In 2023, Cathy and her sister Sue, lovingly known as “the Aunties,” moved to Iowa to be closer to their brother Tom and his family. She quickly found a true sense of home there, warmly welcomed by the Stenders and embracing them in return as cherished extended family. As “Auntie Cathy,” she delighted in time spent with her nieces and nephew and joined the household team spirit, cheering for the Hawkeyes, Cyclones, and Bulldogs alongside the Stender-Custer kids.

Those who called her friend will remember her kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit.

Cathy is survived by her siblings: Sue Custer of West Des Moines; Tom Stender-Custer (John) of Des Moines; Steve Custer of Williamston, North Carolina; and Jim Custer (Gail) of Buckeye, Arizona. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Mary, Arlo, and Maxine Stender-Custer; and Jennifer Custer Baer and Andrew Custer. She is further survived by her aunts and uncle: Nancy Custer, Lynne Lingenfelter, and John (Tama) Custer, along with many Custer cousins.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Donald Custer; her paternal grandparents, W. J. and Katherine (Burkhardt) Custer; and her maternal grandparents, Charles N. and Hester (Wycoff) Busam.

A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Des Moines on Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 a.m. The interment of ashes will follow at Victoria Center Cemetery in Cass County. A luncheon will be held afterward at the home of Arlo Stender in Massena.

A second Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the Trinity Parish Hall following the service. A private interment of ashes will take place at Edgewood Memorial Garden in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cathy's honor may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Liver Foundation, or the National Park Foundation.