Carretta, Katherine Anne

Carretta, Katherine Anne (McNally), 88, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Bloomfield Hills, MI on January 18, 2013. She is the beloved wife of the late Ralph A. Carretta Jr. She is predeceased by adoring parents Katherine and Frank McNally, brothers Eugene and Frank McNally, parents-in-law Judge Ralph Sr. and Pauline Carretta, and sister-in-law Eleanor (late Joseph) McConville. She is survived by children Ruth Carretta (life companion Carlos Salamanca), Joyce Kashawlic (husband Sean), and Carol Phalen (husband Stephen), grandchildren Bryan Kashawlic (wife Patricia), Erin Kashawlic, and Nicole, Casey, Rachel and Amy Phalen, sisters-in-law June McNally and Mary McNally, cousin Joan (Dr. Richard) Frary, and many nieces and nephews. Anne was formerly of Bronxville, NY, Sarasota, FL, Framingham, MA , and West Bloomfield, MI. Anne was born in 1924 in New York, New York. She and her brothers were raised in Mt. Vernon, NY. Anne became an avid reader at a young age, lover of books, history, genealogy and her family. She graduated from Manhattanville College in 1946, and enjoyed a career in research and marketing with Young & Rubicam Advertising Agency in Manhattan, New York. In 1954, she married a rising young attorney, Ralph A. Carretta, Jr., and settled in Eastchester, NY. There they raised their three daughters and enjoyed many years near a wealth of family and friends.As the girls grew, Anne became an ardent genealogist, volunteering at the Westchester Historical Society for many years. She published a book on cemeteries in Westchester County that is cataloged in the National Library of Congress, and she is a life member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.Anne's greatest love was for her family. Her other pleasures included reading, especially fact-based historical novels, Irish music and dancing, swimming, libraries, book stores, cats, tea, cookies and vanilla milkshakes. She was a soft-spoken woman who defined quiet strength, courage and wisdom.Anne and Ralph retired to Sarasota, Florida in 1988 where they enjoyed many years of family visits, learning opportunities through Elderhostels, and travel abroad. Anne spent her last eight years living with or near her three daughters and grandchildren. Her last year was in the loving care of the staff at Sunrise of Bloomfield Hills, MI.Visitation will be held at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY(www.mcgrathandson.com) on Friday, January 25th from 4-8pm. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, January 26th, at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe, NY. Interment to follow at Holy Mount Cemetery, Eastchester, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4120 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO (www.rscj.org), or the Learning Center for the Deaf, 848 Central Street, Framingham, MA (www.tlcdeaf.org).