Catherine Emily Rothamel Belford passed away on June 11, 2017.  

Her death was attributed heart disease.

Catherine was a different person to different people.  She was a daughter, having been born to the late Mary and William H. Rothamel on January 4, 1926 at the family farm in Lake Shore.  

She was a sister to the late William G. Rothamel and the late Mary Schaeffer Brooks.  She is survived by her brother John E. Rothamel of Pasadena, MD.  

Catherine had been a student having graduated from the Old Jacobsville Elementary School in 1939 then from Glen Burnie High School in 1943.  

She was a wife to the late Howard A. Belford who she married in 1944 while he was in the U. S. Army.  She became a widow when Howard died in 2002.

Catherine was a mother to their children - William (wife Pam) of the home address James (wife Ann) of Eastern Shore, MD, David W of Glen Burnie, Sharon (husband Joseph) Funk of Pasadena, Richard (wife Faye) of Spartanburg, SC, H. Robert of Pasadena, Cathy (Cyril)Hoover of Mt. Airy, MD.  

She was the grandmother to: Ronald Gene Belford, Cynthia Hoover Johnson; Christine Hoover Hinkle; Steven Funk and David M. Belford as well as Connie Rae Funk and two step granddaughters Amanda and Malissa.  She was a Great Grandmother of three great-grandsons and six step great granddaughters.

Catherine was also a business woman having managed the Fire Brake Company, Inc. that she and Howard started fifty some years ago.

She spent her spare time quietly volunteering.  She had been an assistant Brownie Scout leader; a member of the Mothers' Club Boy Scout Troop 473; Treasurer of the A.A. Co. branch of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters for whom she and Howard scheduled, cooked, and served many Prayer Breakfasts. Catherine was a life member and former board of Director member of the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co.  She was a Past President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Lake Shore Vol. Fire Company, the Powhatan Beach Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, the Ladies Auxiliary to the A.A. Co. Vol. Firefighters Association; Ladies Auxiliary Maryland Fire Chiefs Association.  For many years she was President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Eastport Vol. Fire Co. and to the Past Presidents Club-Ladies Auxiliary A.A. Co Vol. Firemens' Association.  Many will remember her as Mrs. Santa Claus at the Lake Shore Elementary School.

Catherine will be missed by her relatives, friends and "special favorite other daughter."

She was an advisor when asked and a shoulder to cry on when needed.

By her request, her funeral will be private and there will be no memorial service.  Catherine said, "Those who would not speak TO me in life, need not speak OF me in death

It is with deep sadness and grief that we annouce the death of Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Ladies Auxilary Past President Catherin Belford passed away this morning June 11, 2017.

There will not be any viewings or funeral service for Catherine as she requested.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Catherine Belford has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary since 1944. In April 1944, she joined with a group of local ladies who would eventually become the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. Although they had no fire house or equipment, they held dinners at the Pinehurst Pavilion at Pinehurst on the Bay. Dances, card parties, and raffles were held at Easters Inn in Long Point to raise money . A real baby pig was once raffled off.

 In September 1945, the fire department building was complete and in October weekly bingos were started in the basement. Movies were held every Saturday and Sunday for awhile. Oyster roasts, dinners, and a carnival were some of the fundraisers held.

 Catherine served as Treasurer, Secretary, and 5-years as President. She was the weekly bingo caller for the next 10-years. She also organized bus trips, dinners, flea markets, auctions, fashion shows, talent shows, gong shows, and breakfasts. She also served on the By-laws committee for the fire company and served 3-years as an officer on the Board of Directors of the fire company.

 Catherine started through the chairs of the county ladies auxiliary and served as President in 1987-88. She has served on many committees over the years and is noted for her long tenure on the Auditing committee. She is currently President of the Past President’s Club for the county ladies auxiliary.

 In 1984, she reactivated the Powhatan Beach Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She served as President for 3-years. She was also the Ways and Means chairperson to include organizing bus trips, breakfasts, auctions, flea markets, and a weekly bingo.

 In 1988, Catherine joined the Eastport Ladies Auxiliary and served as Chaplain, Vice President, and President. She is still President to this day.

Catherine was also active on many committees for the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association mostly notably on the Fire Prevention Committee.