Creighton Family

Obituary of Catherine Grace Creighton

Catherine (Cathy) Grace Creighton was born in Tampa on August 4, 1939 to Rudolph (Fing) and Margaret Miranda. She had one brother Edward (Eddie) Miranda. As a little girl Catherine walked to school every day at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school and church in Ybor city. She recalled that she often sought solace in the church and had memories of seeking refuge from all life’s tribulations there, where she was christened.

As she grew into a young woman, Cathy enjoyed the bounty of her beauty when she was voted ‘‘Miss United Funds 1959.” She was an avid skater and could do quite the twirl on the skating rink. Cathy worked for Dr Vincent Spoto, DDS as his assistant for some time and later owned and operated “EMILY’S BEAUTY BOX” as a cosmetologist for many years.

In 1971 she was introduced to Dr. James Burns Creighton, Jr., MD through mutual friends, and they decided to marry. Together they raised 5 children, Darryl, Brent, Barry, Beth and Bryce. Later she helped raise 2 twin grandsons, Elijah and Marcus Creighton. In addition, she had 7 other grandsons, Carl, Connor, Jimmy, BJ, Ben, Thomas, and Jedidiah, and one granddaughter, Jazmin.

Cathy loved being a mother and one of her favorite activities was cooking for the large family. She had every kitchen gadget imaginable and a huge collection of recipe books to put the gadgets to good use. She had a good wit and ability to relate to people. As a result of this and her extroverted, friendly personality her home was often abuzz with not only her children but their friends as well. Far from a dull housewife, Cathy liked a little sparkle in her clothing and a sporty car to drive around town.

After living on the Bay in Tampa for many years raising their children, she and Burns decided to build a “gentleman’s farm, ESCONDIDO (eng. “hidden”), in Lithia, FL where they lived for the last 25 years until shortly before her passing. Cathy loved entertaining, and she hosted many large gatherings for friends and family.

She loved gardening and had a large rose garden. She and Burns loved to travel to landmark gardens with the Garden Society.

In her last wishes, Catherine told her children she wanted to return to the Lady of Perpetual Help to say her goodbyes to this world as she enters the Kingdom of God.

A viewing will be held on December 27, 2025 10AM-10:45AM and a funeral mass will be held at 11AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1711 E. 11th Ave., Ybor City, followed by a graveside service to be delivered by the family at 12:30PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery 4207 E. Lake Ave. Tampa, with lunch to follow.

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