Catherine Relihan Obituary

EAGLE BRIDGE - Catherine Relihan of Eagle Bridge died Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness.
Born Oct. 31, 1913, she was the youngest child of her parents, Sarah McAllen Relihan and Edward Relihan. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Tom and Neil (Margaret); his sisters, Agnes Relihan and Sara Relihan Meagher (Jack); and his niece, Margaret (Marie) Relihan.
Catherine spent her childhood and teen years on the family farm as her father's right hand and chauffeur. She attended Normal School at Oneonta State and received her teaching degree from SUNY New Paltz.
She was an elementary school teacher for 40 years. Most of those years were spent at Colonie Village School and, after centralization, Saddlewood School. She retired in 1974.
After retirement, she channeled her energies into vegetable gardening on the farm with her sisters and brother-in-law and volunteer work at St. Patrick's Church, Mary McClellan Hospital Auxiliary and Cambridge Valley Garden Club.
Catherine is survived by her nephew, Edward Meagher, and his wife, Margaret Rogers-Meagher, and their children, Eamonn Meagher and Glennis Meagher; many cousins; and her honorary grandchild, Amanda Timmerman.
The family wishes to acknowledge the loving and supportive neighbors and friends who helped make it possible for Catherine to maintain her independence, especially Harold and Joyce Church, Jean Timmerman, the extended Andrews family, Peg the mail carrier, Dr. Matt Pender and the parish community of St. Patrick's Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, from St. Patrick's Church in Cambridge, N.Y.
Burial will be later in the spring at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Cambridge.
Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main St., Hoosick Falls.
Memorial contributions in Catherine's memory can be made to St. Patrick's Church, where she was a member of the congregation for 99 years, or to Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad through the funeral home.
Thanks to the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad and the staffs of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's ED, ICU and second floor east, which made Catherine's final hours comfortable and peaceful.

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Published by The Record on Feb. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Relihan

11 Entries

BJ Haner

February 27, 2013

I taught with Catherine from 1956 until she retired in 1974.She was a great person to work with. We also had a lot of good memories at Oneonta Alumni luncheons and picnics..

Catherine Russell

February 27, 2013

Though my heart is a bit heavy, I remain inspired by Catherine's spirit. I value the example she set and the moments shared with my elder cousin. I offer my condolences to those in her larger 'family'. I am proud to be 'the other Catherine R.' and thank her for her gift of life to all of us.

Ken Mayo

February 25, 2013

Miss Relihan was my sixth grade teacher in 1954 and I remember her as one of my favorites. It was a memorable year and we all enjoyed her. She visited with us twice at Cape Cod during the summer and she became friends with my mother. As it turns out, they were both born within a month of each other 100 years ago! My best to her family--she was truly a great and caring person.

carol reichel

February 25, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Sally Murphy Freeman

February 25, 2013

Catherine was a great teacher and person. As anew teacher in1963 I was impressed by her style and rapport with students.

Sharon Knowlton

February 25, 2013

She was my 6th grade teacher. She was a nice person. May she rest in peace.

Debbie (Traver) Hodges

February 25, 2013

To the Relihan Family,
My condolences on the passing of "Miss Relihan" even though she wanted me to call her Catherine, I couldn't - she would always be Miss Relihan to me. She was my 6th grade teacher at Saddlewood. Taught my sister and myself many important things in life.She was a wonderful person.She will be missed.

Greg Morin

February 25, 2013

Such a Sweet and truly kind person. I enjoyed many conversations and learned alot while working at Cathrines house she was one of my favorites!!

James Walsh

February 24, 2013

Hi Ed,
I'm here in Rome on a 3 month sabbatical and just happened to read the TU on-line today and learned of Catherine's death. I saw her late in 2012 and she was so healthy and sharp. I regret I will not be able to be at her funeral Mass but will celebrate Mass for her here in Rome. Fr. Jim Walsh

MaryAnn (Kosek) Yankowski

February 24, 2013

To Catherine's family,
Taught with Catherine at Saddlewood from 1963-1967. She was a lovely person and a great teacher. She lived a long live. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

peter westfall

February 24, 2013

To the Relihan family,
My condolences on the passing of Catherine,or as she was known to me,Miss Relihan,my sixth grade teacher . I am now 58 years of age ,and I can tell you that cafherine was one of the great influences in my life and it is with sadness that I read of her passing.There have been many times in my life when I would use the lessons and examples that she taught us as her students in my everyday life You see, I was one of the kids that she took a special interest in. As a result of my robust energy and outspoken manner, I had the distinction of sitting right on the side ofherdesk, where she could keep a closer eye on me. .The other kids looked at itas a punishment, but it was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me..From my vantage point, she taught me self control, respect for other peopleandtheir property and the greatest gift.....tohave anopenand inquiring mind.Thank you miss Relihan, and to her survivors, know that she will never be forgotten
Peter westfall
Class of 1969
[email protected]

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