Catherine Lavalley

Mrs. Catherine M. LaValley, 77, of East Herkimer, beloved wife of Dean F. LaValley, entered into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon, November 23, 2003. At the time of her passing, she had the love and comfort of her family at her bedside. She was born in Conway, PA., a daughter of the late Ferdinando "Fred" and Catherine M. (Morabito) Adolfo on September 3, 1926 and received her education in Philadelphia, PA. Schools. April 7, 1951 marked the beginning of a union filled with love and devotion when Catherine was united in marriage with Dean F. Lavalley in St. Joseph's Church, Little Falls. She was a communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer and led a devoted Catholic life. Catherine was a woman who possessed great strength of character. Motivated by a determined attitude and deep sense of responsibility, she also had a kind and generous nature. Throughout the years, she graciously opened her home in East Herkimer to many children who she babysat. She enjoyed the time watching the children and formed many lasting friendships. Her steadfeast commitment to her personal values was the basis for an inspiring legacy which she leaves in the memories of all those who knew her. Her life revolved around her family and friends where she spent the happiest times of her life. In her leisure time, she enjoyed being with her friends at the senior swim club at the YMCA. Survivors include her beloved husband Dean of East Herkimer, three loving daughters, Donna Murphy and husband Robert of Fairfield, Kathy Berner and husband Jack of Middleville and Cynthia Gardinier and husband Kenneth of Little Falls, two close sisters, Frances Baggetta and husband Frank of Herkimer and Rosemarie Brown of Herkimer, her beloved grandchildren, Jessica Murphy-Armstrong and husband Mark, Deana Vovkovskiy and husband Slava, Meghan, Bridget, Denise and Erin Murphy, Jacqueline Conroy and husband Ron, Amy MacCreery and husband Justin and Thomas and Alaina Gardinier, four cherished great grandchildren, Catherine Eileen and Vincent Edward Armstrong, and Ian Dean and Lily Kathleen Conroy, in laws, Zee Adolfo, Mickey Adolfo, Dorothy Bodenstein and husband Bill, Betty Senft, Bernard LaValley and wife Shirley, many nieces and nephews, a close cousin, Shirley Vedder and husband Norm and close friends and hunting companions, Leon and Marion Becker. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred Adolfo and Vincent Adolfo and a brother in law, Ed Brown. The family offers its sincere gratitude to the staff at Valley Health Services, mentioning the 3rd Floor East Ext., for their tireless care and attention given to Catherine and her family while she was a resident. Also a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Little Falls Hospital for going out of their way to make the family feel "at home" and comfortable during this difficult time. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Tuesday Nov. 25 2003 from 2-4, and 7-9. Catherine's funeral will commence at 10am on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10:30 am from Sts. Anthony and Joseph's Church, South Main Street, Herkimer where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Shinos, pastor. Funeral procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. Kindly consider contributions in honor of Catherine to the American Lung Association or to Valley Health Services, envelopes are available at the funeral home.