Catherine Ann Gruver, of Clayton, Delaware passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving, dedicated family on October 11, 2013. She was 87 years old. Kate was born in Wyoming, PA on October 31, 1925, the daughter of Michael and Susan Litman. She married Charles Gruver on Christmas Day, 1946. They moved to Newark, Delaware in 1952 where they lived, worked and raised their family until their retirement to Sarasota, Florida. Not one to rest, Kate began the second chapter of her life as an LPN and loved her work caring for others. She continued down this path, until an untimely stroke in 1985. Through sheer will and determination she reinvented her life, discovering a hidden talent....painting. This passion brought joy to her friends and family where her gift of perseverance was on full display for all to see. Her virtues of love, strength and courage are her legacy to her loved ones. Kate is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Cathy Nacrelli with whom she lived. Her son Charles Gruver III and his fiancé, Victoria Leon of Hockessin, Delaware. Her grandchildren Kristen McGinnis (Joe), Michael Hunt (Kristen), Sarah Gruver, Zachary Gruver and Renee Nacrelli. Her great grandchildren, Zoe Kayte, Derek Marley and Malia Brittingham, Noah McGinnis and Ashra Hunt, her brother Michael Litman and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by one brother, five sisters and her beloved bichon, Lucy. A Celebration of Kate's life will be held on Tuesday, October 15th, beginning at noon. Services will be held at Matthews Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St. Smyrna, DE. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Kate's name to Day Break at the Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE 19904 or Seasons Hospice at 220 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.