Catherine Loretta Lemmey

Catherine Loretta Lemmey, 78, passed away peacefully in her home on August 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Born on February 20, 1947 in New York City, Cathy brought joy to her lifelong neighborhood of Astoria, Queens. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William (Bill), their two daughters Karen (Mauro) and Ingrid (Matthew) and four grandchildren, Chiara, Lucio, Jack, and James, as well as her brother Joseph DiCicco, Jr. (Mary Ann). Cathy was a pioneer of her time. She worked as a dental hygienist to put herself through college, earning a Bachelor of Science from NYU. She built a career in healthcare management and earned an MBA from Adelphi while working and raising two girls. She was often the only woman in executive leadership positions as a hospital administrator in the 1970s-80s. Cathy loved dancing with Bill, going to the opera at Lincoln Center, cooking beautiful meals, and making sure her grandchildren always had cookies. She was known for her kindness – always offering water bottles to the postal and package delivery workers. She loved people and was quick with a smile, greeting anyone and everyone she encountered on her walks around Astoria. We often had to remind her they didn't answer because they had earbuds. She often bragged, "The grandkids ask me, 'Do you know everyone in Astoria?'" A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at noon on September 6, 2025 at Drago Funeral Home. The family encourages donations in her memory to the Hospice Care Network online at support.northwell.edu/hospicecarenetwork(please select the designation Charity Care Fund to help uninsured or underfunded patients) or mailed to the Northwell Health Foundation, 2000 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.