Catherine (Malara) Principato's Obituary
Catherine (Malara) Principato, 90 of Liverpool, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday night surrounded by her 4 children.
Born on April 21, 1934, to Nunzio and Serafina (Spampinato) Malara, Catherine graduated from North High School and was employed by Colony Liquor for many years, retiring as credit manager in 2000.
Catherine was joined in marriage with Joseph “Jitterbug” Principato on July 4, 1961, a marriage lasting 59 years until his passing in December of 2020.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her 3 brothers, Dominick, Sam in 2009 and Nunzio in 2021.
Surviving to cherish her memory include daughters and son, Sara (Thomas) Sangster of Liverpool, JoAnn (John) Meyers of Liverpool and Lisa (Rob) Burbank of Newtown, CT and son, Peter Principato of Liverpool; grandchildren, David (Amy) Earl, Jeffrey and Gina Meyers, Kyle, Eric and Alex Burbank; great grandchildren, Harlow and Wyatt Earl. She is also survived by her sister, Palma Madonna of Anna, TX, two sisters-in-law, Gemina Principato and Virginia Malara and brother-in-law, Frank Principato. Catherine (Aunt Kiki) is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews that showed their love and support over the years.
First and foremost, Cathy was a dedicated wife, mother and grandma. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She showered them with her faith, food and love and taught them the importance of family and strong values. Values that we know her grandchildren will carry on. In earlier years Cathy enjoyed bowling, her neighborhood Bunco group and creating ceramic masterpieces. She always enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, playing word and card games with her family, and saying her Rosary. Up until a few weeks ago, she was still sharpening her pencils and completing crossword puzzles. Cathy donated to numerous charities and organizations and never wanted any recognition.
Peter, Joann and Lisa would like to thank Sara and Tom. They moved in with their mom 3 years ago providing extraordinary love and care for their mother.
The family would also like to thank Cathy Cunningham, who provided exceptional care, concern and compassion to Cathy over the last 2 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 3, 2024, 9:30 a.m. at Epiphany Parish (formerly St. Joseph the Worker Church), Liverpool, NY. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call on Sunday June 2, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of our mother to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice of CNY.
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