Catherine C. Speno

Catherine C. 'Katie' Speno, 98, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025 at the Hospice Residence, Watertown, NY, surrounded by family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home in Watertown. Online condolences may be shared at www.clevelandfhinc.com.
Katie was born on November 17, 1926, in the family home outside Hammond, NY. She was the youngest of six children born to Leslie and Iva Dake Chase. The family soon moved into the village of Hammond, where she grew up and graduated from Hammond High School in 1944. After graduation she attended Dubuque University, Dubuque, Iowa. 1944-45. She then returned to the north country.
Katie moved to Watertown NY, in 1945 attended Watertown School of Commerce and lived in downtown Watertown at the YWCA, Boarding House for Women. After graduating from Watertown School of Commerce in 1946, she started her career as a legal Secretary, first working for Atty. E. Ralph Gosier and later for Atty. Laurence Kissel. Later in her life she worked at Watertown City Court as a Clerk.
She married the love of her life, Michael F. Speno, on January 23, 1951 at Hammond Presbyterian Church. They soon moved into their new home on Pratt St. Watertown NY to start their family and future together. Mr. Speno passed in 1985, but Katie remained in the home, living there for 73 years until her passing. She also was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Watertown, NY for over 50 years.
Katie spent summers on the St Lawrence River from about the age of 10 until she was 90. The early years on the river were spent on Willy Island (Chase Crest), then later in the family built log home, on the ledge, overlooking Chippewa Bay. She loved to entertain family and friends there.
Watching sporting events was a big part of her life, she never missed a lacrosse game that her three boys played in high school and college. Later she enjoyed watching her grandkids sporting events, rain or shine. She was also a long time Syracuse University Basketball fan.
Katie was a proper lady, she encouraged etiquette, especially at the dinner table. She enjoyed reading a good book, writing a well thought out letter, (with exquisite penmanship) and making a new dress for a special occasion. Occasionally, she could be heard telling an off color story that the grandkids got a kick out of.
She was very family oriented and kept in touch with many relatives, neighbors and friends until her passing. ( especially her beloved nieces and nephews)
She is survived by her three sons; Steven M. (Katherine), Clinton NY, Allen J. (Mary) Chaumont NY, Joseph C. (Kathryn), Clyde NC. 7 grandchildren; Jesse, Olivia, Jacob, Marissa, Michael, Neil and Christian. 7 great grandchildren; Peyton, Caden, Colton, Demi, Zepplynn, Robbie, Cammie, and several nieces and nephews. Two brothers and three sisters predeceased her.
A celebration of her life will be held in the spring.
Donations in Katie's name may be made to Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association, or Hospice of Jefferson County.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.