Seneca Falls – Catherine Malone Perkins of Seneca Falls passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday (November 17, 2016) at Huntington Living Center, Waterloo, NY.
Funeral services and burial in St. Columbkille Cemetery, Seneca Falls, will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no prior calling hours. Donations in memory of Catherine may be made to St. Francis-St. Clare Parish, 25 Center St., Waterloo, NY 13165 or to Beverly Animal Shelter, 50 E. River Road, Waterloo, NY 13165.
Born in Seneca Falls, NY in 1926, Catherine attended St. Patrick’s School, Her family moved to Auburn, NY and she graduated from Holy Family High School, and then went to St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse, NY. Upon graduation, she worked at the dental office of her brother, Dr. William Malone. She went on to work at Seneca Falls Hospital, Taylor-Brown Hospital, the office of Dr. John Hubbard, and ended her nursing career at Sylvania GTE.
She married Lawrence VanCleef and they had 2 daughters. In 1970 she married Paul Perkins
Catherine was member of St. Patricks’ Church and her church’s Mothers Club. She also served as an assistant Girl Scout Leader. She started the ladies golf leagues at Silver Creek Golf course.
Her grandchildren were the loves of her life, and she shared many special times with them. Because she was so proud of her Irish Heritage, she brought her family to Ireland to meet the Malone Clan in County Louth. Her grandchildren believed she could talk with the leprechauns, and St. Patrick’s Day became a great family holiday.
Her dog Diogi was a great companion in her later years, and she got great pleasure taking Diogi to McDonald’s every day for a cheeseburger and chocolate chip cookie.
She is survived by her 2 daughters, Mary Ann VanCleef (Dennis) Bender and Elizabeth “Becky” VanCleef Johnson, both of Seneca Falls. In addition, she leave 5 grandchildren, Katherine (Felipe) Leite, Elizabeth (Craig) Rightmier, Kristen (Scott) Donnelly, Ryan (Kalie) Johnson, & Christopher Johnson. 6 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Frances Perkins Kelleher, numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins, and her dear friend, Elizabeth “Betty” Churchill. She was predeceased by her parents, William & Catherine (Cavanaugh) Malone, her brothers, Dr. William Malone & James Malone and Lawrence VanCleef, the father of her daughters, & her husband, Paul Perkins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Huntington Living Center for their care, her caregivers, Sharon Warro, Cathy & Megan Woods, Fr. Jim Fennessy, Fr. Roy Kiggins, & the staff of St. Francis-St. Clare Parish for their support & many kindnesses.
Arrangements are under the direction of Doran Funeral Home, Seneca Falls, NY
Please leave a condolence or light a candle in memory of Catherine at: doranfuneralhome.com
