Fort Edward
Catherine Genevieve (Pierce) Phelps died peacefully Saturday, April 27th after a very long illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81.
Born on November 19, 1937 in Saratoga Springs, NY, Catherine had a zest for life. She enjoyed attending church and was a longtime communicant at Shenendehowa United Methodist Church. She retired from Union College after spending many years working in the Finance Office in student accounts. Catherine was very proud that she could help students pursue their college careers successfully. Her devotion to Union was clear as she often loved attending Union College hockey games with her late husband. Catherine was involved with the Girl Scouts for many years and served as treasurer of the Mohawk Pathways Council. An avid reader, Catherine would devour two or more books a week and was a huge fan of the Young and the Restless soap opera. Everyone knew not to disturb her when her "Victor" was on!
Catherine treasured her family time and spent many summer days at the family lake house "Camp Bobcat" in the Adirondacks. She also enjoyed many family vacations at the Beach. While her family was special to her, her granddaughter Kaitlin Elizabeth was very much her pride and joy. Catherine was quite quick witted and those who knew her had no doubt -- she was a true foodie!
Catherine was predeceased by her devoted husband of many years Wayne Phelps as well as her parents George and Elizabeth Pierce; her brother Harold Pierce and her uncle Harold Knowlton (Unk) who always held a special place in his heart for Cathy.
Catherine leaves behind her loving daughter Kristen (Phelps) Brown and granddaughter Kaitlin Brown from Rensselaer, her sister Betty Ann Livingston from Ft Edward, her brother George F. Pierce, Jr. (Phyllis) from Waterford and so many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to extend warm and loving thanks to the caring staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Home for their dedicated efforts to ensure Catherine enjoyed her last five years, as her health steadily declined. Special thanks to Crystal Sherman and Amy Lewis (Hospice) for their kindness and support. A very sincere thank you to her sister Betty Ann and her sister-in-law Shirley Caruso for all the time they spent visiting with Cathy. She never felt alone despite her living arrangements.
Friends and family are invited to the M.B. Kilmer Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 for calling hours from 11:00am - 1:00pm, which will be followed by the funeral service at 1pm.. Interment will be at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph's cemetery.
Donations in Cathy’s name may be made to Fort Hudson Nursing Home, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or Saratoga Hospice, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
For online condolences and to view Catherine’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.