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 demonstrated remarkable courage and unwavering determination.

Born in Stuttgart - Bad Cannstatt, Germany and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, Dayna carried a strong spirit and a deep love for her family throughout her life.

Dayna was a fifteen-year employee of Columbia County, serving in administrative roles across several departments including Planning & Development, Roads & Bridges, and SWM Landfill. Later in her career, she was the administrative coordinator for the Undergraduate Students Academic Programs, School of Nursing at the Medical College of Georgia until her ongoing struggle with Lupus and its side effects forced 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 rock and a proud mother to 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 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 all miss her deeply.

Dayna will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her 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.

A celebration of life is being planned, with details to be communicated at a later time.

In lieu of flowers or other tributes, please consider making a donation to the Lupus Foundation of America.