OSWEGO COUNTY – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Catherine F.
“Cathy” Lee, of Pennellville, NY. Cathy passed away on Thursday, March
28, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Cathy was born on
April 20, 1947, to Ramona (Henderson) and Samuel A. Gabriele. She is a
graduate of Bishop Cunningham Catholic High School in Oswego (‘64).
She graduated from SUNY Canton with a concentration in dietary/food
service (’68).
After graduation she worked at Sky Chef’s/American Airlines where she
met her life partner Richard “Dick” Lee in 1971. They married on June
29,1974 and created a home together in Pennellville. Cathy then worked
as a site
director at the Phoenix Area nutrition site. Cathy was a parishioner
of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Phoenix, NY and was also very
involved in many of the village of Phoenix community affairs. She was
the founder of The Bridge House Brats, that envisions a place where
every child could find solace, support, and a sense of belonging.
During her time at the Bridge House, she also created the annual
Phoenix Fireworks event. Her tireless efforts and boundless passion
transformed her vision into a reality, providing a positive and
rewarding learning experience for many children. Through her
leadership, Bridge House Brats became more than just a place; it
became a beacon of hope and opportunity, empowering youth to thrive
and develop leadership skills. Beyond her remarkable contributions to
Bridge House Brats, Cathy’s legacy of service extended far and wide.
Her selflessness knew no
bounds, as she volunteered daily at Phoenix H.S., lending a helping
hand wherever it was needed. Her room, known as “Orange and Black
Shack” was a place where students could go and always feel safe and
wanted.
Her kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others touched the
lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cathy received many
awards throughout her years. Some of the awards include: The Woman of
the Year awarded in 1991 from the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce 2001
Unsung Hero Award from Children’s Board of Oswego 2006 Volunteerism
award from Central New York Recreation and Park Society 2007
Volunteerism award from Lysander Parks and Recreation 2016 Lifetime
achievement award from the village of Phoenix Community
the 2016 The Presidents Lifetime achievement award from President
Barak Obama 2019 Making a difference award from Phoenix Central School
District 2023 Proclamation of Cathy Lee Day on April 20th from The
Village of Phoenix
Cathy was predeceased by her parents, Samuel in 1996 and Ramona in
2011. Surviving is her loving husband of 49 years Richard E. Lee, her
daughter Ashley L. Gabriele of Liverpool, a sister Sandra Davis of
Buffalo, and brother Samuel (Michele) Gabriele of Pennellville; along
with nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. A mass of Christian
Burial will take place for the family on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at
10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church with Fr. Joseph E. Scardella and Dcn.
Jeffrey Dean. The church services will be lived streamed for all
community members in the JCB High School Auditorium. At the conclusion
of the mass, the family will join the community at JCB gymnasium with
Cathy’s closed casket for a “Celebration of Life” at 11:15am with Rev
Jeff Hodge. Community members are encouraged to pay respects to Cathy
in the gymnasium and a gathering in the cafeteria for food and
fellowship
from 12:00 to 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her beloved “Bridge
House Brats” program through the Village of Phoenix, 455 Main Street,
Phoenix, NY 13135, or the Phoenix Area Food Pantry, 43 Bridge Street,
Phoenix, NY 13135.
Arrangements by Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, Phoenix, NY
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