Obituary of Catherine T. Cassidy

Catherine T. Cassidy 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday August 25, 2016 in Victor, NY. In her passing she was holding the hand of her beloved husband of 69 years, Nicholas. Catherine was born on August 19, 1921 in Corona, New York the only daughter of Charlotte Turner (Michener) and John Turner. She was the adored sister of John, James, Richard and George. Kay, as she was known by all, graduated from Bayside High School in Queens New York, having skipped two grades and was the valedictorian of Grace Institute in Manhasset New York. Amongst her positions of responsibility as an executive secretary was one at Kaiser Shipbuilding where she met Nick. Kay and Nick were married on April 6, 1947. After the birth of their first daughter Charlotte Kathryn, the family moved to Uniondale New York where they lived for the next 30 years. Their second daughter Elayne Barbara was born in 1953 and completed the family. Kay had a wonderfully rewarding career as manager of the Hofstra University Playhouse. The lives of all her family were enriched by the wealth of theatre and concerts at Hofstra. To this day Kay is remembered with much love and devotion by all those with whom she worked and by the students in the Hofstra Drama Department during those years. Kay and Nick later moved to Stony Brook New York and then on to Victor New York. They traveled extensively throughout their marriage and enjoyed visiting many parts of the United States, the UK and Italy. But above all Kay's greatest achievement and pleasure was being the loving daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother to her family. Her kindness, beauty and gentleness were known by all and will be deeply missed. Catherine is survived by her husband Nicholas, her daughters Charlotte Ryan (Daniel) and Elayne Nicholas (Robert), grandchildren Nicholas Ryan (Manisha), Kristin Elias (Ben-Ari), Thomas Nicholas (Emily) and Benjamin Nicholas (Whitney Theis) and her three adored great grandchildren, Madeleine, Hannah and Dylan. She also leaves behind her devoted and beloved caregivers who made her last years a gentle and safe place, Jennifer Reiners, Lois Hetherley, Karen Dietz, Carrie Evans, Jackie Dunbar and Tinamarie Verbridge. She is predeceased by her parents, and her brothers John, Richard and George. Family and friends are invited to call on SUNDAY, August 28th from 2-4 PM at Lucey-VanVoorhis Funeral Home, 301 West Main Street, Victor, NY. Catherine's Funeral Mass will be held on MONDAY, August 29th at 10 AM in St. Patrick Church, 115 Maple Avenue, Victor. Entombment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be directed to the St Joseph's Indian School, 131 North Main Street, Chamberlain, South Dakota, 57325.