Catherine M. Marshall

PENN YAN - Catherine M. Marshall, age 91, passed away in the comfort of her home on Friday (Jan. 22, 2010), with her loving family by her side.
Visitation for Catherine will be on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at St. Michael's Church, 210 Keuka St., Penn Yan, from noon to 2 p.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow with the Rev. Robert Ring celebrating. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Waterloo at the convenience of the family.
In place of floral offerings, for those wishing to do so, please consider making contributions in memory of her to the Yates-Ontario Hospice Center, 756 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva 14456. Donation envelopes will be provided by the funeral home.
Born in Waterloo on May 18, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ester (Reeder) Velte. She was raised and educated there and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1936. On Sept. 2, 1938, she wed Frederick Marshall, with whom she shared a remarkable 71 years of compatible marriage; they truly loved each other, shared the same values, and complemented each other's personality. After spending years at home raising her children in Penn Yan, Catherine entered the work force when she and her husband opened Marshall's IGA Foodliner in 1957. After they sold the store in 1970, she went on to work in the cafeteria at Penn Yan Academy.
A snapshot of Catherine's life would capture her ability to converse with anyone with ease, would focus on her unselfish love of family and extended loved ones, and would softly highlight a smile that could radiate a room. It would render a portrait of a woman with an unforgettable personality, one who entertained with style and grace. Many visits to Catherine's home were teeming with great food and fun in the pool, and were so welcoming that all who came endearingly referred to her home as "Club Marshall." But her greatest natural gift was her ability to be an amazing and giving mother who catered to her family's needs and loved them unconditionally. For many years, she was a member of the Lakeside Country Club where she enjoyed her golfing games and was particularly known for her love of the game of bridge. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Parish and was a devoted member of the Catholic Daughters.
Catherine is survived by her devoted husband, Frederick Marshall; daughters, Barbara (Ronald) Brown and Bonnie Davis. Also surviving are her adored grandchildren, Scott (Elaine) Brown, Kimberly (John) Chappo, Suzanne (Greg) Metelsky, Brian (Diana) Davis, Kenneth Davis and Pamela Davis; and cherished great-grandchildren, Tara Chappo, Brandon Chappo, Jacqueline Hennes, Brett Hennes, Joshua Brown and Logan Brown, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Catherine always held close to her heart the memory of her son, Frederick Marshall Jr., who went before her on March 1, 1971.
Visitors are encouraged to sign her guest book by visiting us online at www.townsendwoodfuneralchapel..com