Catherine O'Handley

Catherine Convey O'Handley, 82 years old, of Great Kills passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. Catherine was born November 3, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Convey and the late Catherine Gertrude Convey.
Catherine grew up in Brooklyn, New York surrounded by three brothers, Joseph Convey, Thomas Convey, and Raymond Convey. She attended Our Lady of Angels Elementary School and St. Joseph's High School in Brooklyn, NY. Eventually, Catherine attended St. John's University in Queens, NY where she met the love of her life, John "Jack" O'Handley. Jack and Cathy married in 1963, began having children, and moved to Great Kills in Staten Island, NY in 1968, where they raised 4 children. In addition to raising four children, Catherine was an active member in St. Clare's parish in Great Kills.
Catherine loved children and helping others. Her faith and love of children led her to volunteer countless hours with St. Clare's CCD program for over 30 years. She also worked with the children's liturgy group and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Spending time with family and friends was Catherine's greatest joy in life. Her door was always open for a long chat over a cup of tea and a sweet treat. She had an amazing way of listening to others. Catherine was patient, kind, and accepting of everyone. She was strong, resilient, and overcame some of life's greatest challenges with grace. Catherine loved sitting near the ocean or outside on her deck with a good book. Catherine's sense of humor and calming presence will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
A loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Catherine was predeceased by her husband, John "Jack" O'Handley and her brother Thomas Convey. She is survived by her two brothers; Joseph Convey and Raymond Convey. Catherine is also survived by her four children, Tim, Michael, Eileen (Browne), Maureen (LaPenta), their spouses, Donna, Angela, Pete, and Joe, along with 16 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Thursday February 6th, 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals located at 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, NY. A Mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at St. Clare's Church in Great Kills. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to help others at Meals on Wheels Organization or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.