Helen Marie Cater - Obituary

elen Marie (Carhart) Cater, age 91, passed away August 6, 2025 in Davidsonville, Maryland. Helen was born on October 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C., to the late Irvin George Carhart and Anna Louise (Graves) Carhart. Helen is survived by her cherished family: Douglas Cater (Katherine), Mary Greiner, Susan Malay (Robert), Paul Cater (Monica), and Patricia Youngmann (Matthew); 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her most loving sister, Mary (Sis), and caring brother-in-law, Herman Branson. Helen was predeceased by her former husband, Melvin Anthony Cater; brothers Malcolm Carhart and Charles Carhart; and her beloved mother, who instilled in her values of family, honesty and giving. Helen was a devout Catholic. She was a graduate of St. Cecilia’s High School in Washington, D.C., and a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in West River, MD. Helen loved family above all else. She loved gardening (oh her delicious tomatoes and grapes!), shopping (for only the best bargains), the slot machines (unfortunately cha-ching was not often heard), and whatever name the Washington Football Team was going by in that particular year. Helen worked at multiple government agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, MD. Here she contributed to census operations, and developed many lifelong friendships. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Tuesday, September 16 at 12 noon at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 101 Owensville Road, West River, MD 20778. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund may be considered (PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50047 or online here).