Catherine was raised in Apopka, FL and graduated from Apopka High School in 2002. She moved to Dade City, FL where she resided for the last 24 years.

Catherine never met a stranger. She was full of smiles and hugs for anyone and everyone. People she met on the street, in a restaurant or store would get a “How are you doing” or “You’re pretty”. And if the person was receptive, or not, they’d get a big hug.

Catherine worked at the Academy at the Farm PreK in Dade City, FL for fourteen years. When she retired from the Academy she joined the Goose Bump gang at WaWa in Zephyrhills, FL. Between the two establishments she met everyone in Dade City or Zephyrhills. No matter where she went someone would call out “hey Catherine”.

She loved sports and her favorite team was always wearing the orange and blue of the Florida Gators. She said “I’m a huge fan”. She too was an athlete, winning many Special Olympics Gold Medals in basketball, track and field, and she loved bowling with her friends.

Catherine loved music and dance. She attended many broadway productions in NYC and was always willing to give a performance if called upon.

Catherine was preceded in death by her grandparents GeeGee and PaPa (Betty and John Land), Granny and Pa (Doris and Foye Giles).

She is survived by her Mother, Suzanne Land Larkin, step father, Jon S. Larkin,II, step sister, Katherine Larkin McLiney, Aunt, Catherine Land Waters (Robert), Uncle, John H. Land Jr.(Wendy), Cousins Jordan (Elaine), Samantha (J Brian), India and Caroline (Gavin)

Father, John Giles (Lisa), half sister, Candace Giles Imsand (Brian) and half brother, Jonathan Giles along with many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to any of the following:

Special Olympics (memo:Orange County) Donate | Special Olympics

Shriners for Children/ Florida Donate to LoveShriners.org today | Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

Gulf Side Hospice Make A Gift