Catarina Maria Couto's Obituary
Catarina Maria Couto was born in Nazare, Portugal on November 25, 1967 to Joaquim and Maria Couto. At the age of seven, she moved to the United States with her family. The challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a new life helped forge an inseparable bond with her younger brother, Jack. A bond where they knew no matter what lay ahead, they could count on each other for anything. A bond that has only grown stronger with time.
Catarina found immense joy in discussing the everyday moments in life, sharing humorous and heartfelt stories, and of course enjoying ice cream. She put her love for her family, friends, and neighbors into action. Whether as president of her HOA, fundraising for schools, or working with non-profits to help those less fortunate; Catarina made the world a better place for everyone around her. Her lifelong best friend was her mother, Maria. Cooking a meal or talking late into the night – when the two of them were together, their time was filled with joy, laughter and love.
At the Washington Post she met her husband, soulmate, and lifelong partner, Zach. Their friendship and marriage was founded on unwavering love, trust, and a true partnership where they continuously helped and challenged each other to grow and be their best self. They shared passions for travel, food, cooking, a good laugh and learning about the world. Their lives were made complete in February 2005 with the blessing of the birth of their sons, Miguel and Noah. Her greatest joy in life was her love for her boys, as she watched them develop and grow into their own unique and amazing selves.
Catarina possessed an extraordinary ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable. She had a remarkable capacity to understand others and offer valuable insights and perspectives. She cherished her friendships from around the world (her U.N. of friends she would say) and loved learning about different cultures and people’s backgrounds. Her wide circle of friends included amazing individuals from all stages of her life: childhood friends from Portugal and Maryland, colleagues from throughout her career, neighbors in Virginia, other moms of twins and multiples, and parents from her sons' schools, her running (and non-running) friends in London, all the kids whose trust and confidence she had, and of course, the neighborhood ‘mamas’. She made all of our lives better.
Catarina is survived by her husband Zach, sons Noah and Miguel, Brother and Sister-in-Law Jack and Jennifer, nephews Alexander, Nicholas and father Joaquim.
In lieu of flowers consider a donation to:
MD Anderson, John’s Hopkins or Pinky Swear.
Visitation of family and friends will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Lasting Tributes, from 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis MD 21401 at 10:30 am. Burial will immediately follow at Bestgate Memorial Park. A reception and Celebration of Catarina's life will begin at 1 pm at The Atreeum, 610 N Bestgate Road, Annapolis MD 21401.
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