Dayna Cato

Dayna Lynn Cato (née de Leon), 60, passed away on February 18th in Augusta, Georgia, after a prolonged illness. Throughout her years of ill health, Dayna showed remarkable courage and unwavering determination. Born in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany, and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, she carried a strong spirit and a deep love for her family throughout her life.

Dayna worked for fifteen years with Columbia County in administrative roles across Planning & Development, Roads & Bridges, and the SWM Landfill. She later served as administrative coordinator for the Undergraduate Students Academic Programs in the School of Nursing at the Medical College of Georgia until her ongoing struggle with Lupus and its complications led to an early retirement.

She was the beloved daughter of Janet Maldonado and was preceded in death by her father. Dayna was a devoted wife to Robert “Bobby” Cato, Jr., who was her steadfast support, and a proud mother to her son Peter Cato and his wife Sarah. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren—Robert, Charlie, and Ella—who were the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and delighted in watching them grow.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Romeo and Brenda de Leon, Mike and Jari de Leon, and John and Amber Maldonado, her mother-in-law Lieselotte Cato, along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. Dayna will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her profound love for her family, and the lasting impression she made on all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.