Obituaries

Catherine Elizabeth Getches

Catherine Elizabeth Getches, born May 3, 1922, in East Marion, passed away on July 23, 2016. 

Viewing hours will take place Thursday, July 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 29, at the funeral home, with interment immediately following at St. Agnes R.C. Church Cemetery in Greenport.

Catherine, or “Auntie” as she was known to her family, graduated from Greenport High School in 1940.

She worked for Hazeltine in Mattituck and for the A&P in Greenport. After 28 years of employment with the New York Telephone Company in Riverhead, she retired in 1983. Still wanting to work, she became a childcare provider for the Connell family. Memories of daily walks pulling the children in their wagon while accompanied by their dog gave her great joy in her final days.

Catherine moved to Southold and resided in Colonial Village for over 25 years. She loved her little apartment, the friends she made there and many hours listening to the Mets games with her radio perched on her lap. Though she often would not admit her allegiance when things weren’t going well for her team, she was a devout Mets fan her entire life. Days before her death she could still discuss the players and baseball politics in depth.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Joseph; her niece Michelle Getches and her brothers James and Joseph. She is survived by her nieces Marge Kirchner (Guy) and Mimi Edwards; her nephews, Mark Getches (Christie) and Jim Getches (Eileen); and her great-nieces and nephews who were so dear to her: Greg and Lauren, Lindsey, and Michael and Carolyn.

The family would like to thank her daily caregivers and East End Hospice for the compassionate and vital support they provided.

“Auntie” stayed close to home her entire life; she was a local gal from year one. She did travel to Northern Ireland in 1987. It was the adventure of her life. She was thrilled to meet and reunite with many relatives on her mother’s side.

Memorial contributions can be made to the East Marion or Southold fire department rescue squads.

In memory of “Auntie,” we will be sure to “see what tomorrow brings” and “live and hope” as she so often reminded us.