Obituary
Guest Book
1938
2017
Catherine L. Holstead, 79, of Oneonta, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.
She was born May 3, 1938 in Farmingdale, the daughter of Paul and Frances (Bonventre) Tedesco. She married Robert H. Holstead on August 8, 1959.
A 1959 graduate of SUCO, Cathy was employed briefly as a 4th grade teacher in Niskayuna. She then went on to become a reading teacher at Walton Central School, retiring in 1993.
A devout member of St. Mary's Church in Oneonta, Cathy took great strength in her daily commitment to prayer and service to her church. She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed adult coloring books, shopping, candles, reading, traveling with her husband Bob to visit friends and family, and cooking. She looked forward to getting together with her weekly card group to play bridge and other games.
Cathy was a long-time volunteer for Catskill Area Hospice & the AO Fox Hospital Auxiliary.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Robert H. Holstead; a daughter, Karen (Holstead) Geasey (David); and a son, Robert J. Holstead (Geri); 6 grandchildren, Matthew, Jon and Michelle Geasey, Michael Holstead, Megan (Holstead) Cool, and Emily (Holstead) Alvarez; 3 great grandchildren, Olivia and Isaac Holstead, and William Henry Cool; a sister Paula Kaye; brothers in law, Jay Welsh, and Jack Holstead; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents and in-laws, she was also predeceased by 2 sons, Jimmy at age 6 in 1970, and Steven at age 17 in 1985; and a sister Josephine Welsh.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St, Oneonta.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 9:30 am in the Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, with Rev. David Mickiewicz, celebrant.
Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta or AO Fox Hospital Auxiliary, 1 Norton Avenue, Oneonta.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
July 18, 2017
Family
Greg Hancock
Uncle Bob, So sorry to hear about Aunt Cathy's passing. She was a beautiful person... taken too soon. She will be missed. May she rest in peace and may God's love help you and the family through this very difficult time.
July 15, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. She was a lovely woman in all ways. Sending condolences to Bob and all of her family from afar. ~ Sue and Garry Nightingale
July 13, 2017
Tina Morris
So sorry to learn of Cathy's passing. Enjoyed meeting her and Bob and partying in Tucson. An absolutely lovely lady. May she Rest In Peace. Loving thoughts to Bob and family.
July 13, 2017
Marion & Peter Axhoj
Dear Bob and Family,
Cathy or "Teddy" was my big sister at SUCO and I loved her from day 1! How lucky I was to have her for a life long friend and how I wish everyone had the love she had in her heart for all.
May your faith support you through these days and know Cathy will always be remembered by the many people who loved her in return.
With love to you and your family,
July 13, 2017
Dear Bob and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You have and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen and Alex Brannan
July 13, 2017
The Whitakers
Dear Bob and family, Very sorry for your loss. We here in Pittsford have said a little prayer for all. Words are difficult - but we want you to know we are thinking of you
July 13, 2017
Bob Finnegan
It was a true testament as to the impact both Bob and Cathy have had on so many. The many in line during the calling hours of whom were friends and acquaintances attested to that for sure. May the days that follow, as difficult as they may be, be filled with all the many happy memories of times together with a most wonderful family and friends throughout the years. Best wishes to Bob and the extended family.
July 12, 2017
Betty Zujovic
Dear Bob and family - So sorry to hear about Cathy's passing. Many fond memories of our rides to tennis matches for the boys. A very special person that will be missed by many. Betty Zujovic
July 12, 2017
I have many pleasant memories of working with Cathy at Walton Central School. She was always warm, friendly, and gracious. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Mary Harper Early
Franklin
July 12, 2017
"Dear Bob and family, We have never been so saddened by the passing of
Cathy. Our thoughts are with you and your family. We will help you in any way we can".
Bruce and Gretchen Becker (Walton, NY)
July 12, 2017
Dear Bob and family, We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Cathy's passing. We have such fond memories of you both visiting our family in Florida. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We are sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and give you strength in the coming days ahead. With Love and sadness, The Schreier family
July 12, 2017
Lynda Preiser
Dear Bob & Family, We have known you and Cathy for many years and shared happy times and tragedies. How saddened we were to her about her passing. What a lost of a lovely person from your family, church and the community. We send our sincere condolences and hope that the love of friends will help ease the pain and loss that your family is experiencing. Fondly, Lynda & Gary Preiser
July 12, 2017
The Hartmanns
Dear Bob and family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Cathy's passing. She was so happy and eagerly looking forward to her bridge game last Thursday. Always had a welcoming smile and greeting. My the Lord welcome her into Paradise reflecting her smile.
July 11, 2017
Elaine Benjamn
Dear Bob and Family, Rich and I (as well as the rest of the Wiest/Benjamin family) were so saddened to hear of Cathy's passing. What a beautiful soul she was. She was such a trooper while attending all of our Grant Family Reunions. I treasure the photo taken at the 2014 reunion of Cathy with the other Grant family alumni of SUCO Oneonta, including my mother, Evelyn Wiest Benjamin; Bob; her brother-in-law, Jack Holstead; and Bob & Jack's cousins, Bob Grant and Roland Holstead. I felt (as I did about my dear Uncle Bill Hanson) that she was much more than simply a relative through marriage. The last time Rich and I saw Cathy was with you, Bob, at the Silo Restaurant in Green, NY a little over a year ago where Rich had taken me in celebration of my retirement. It was by the world's standards a "chance" meeting that we all were there at the same time, but it was so appropriate for me to have "family" present at this transitional time of my life. Cathy was always kind and cheerful. I remember her with such fondness. You are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a sister in Christ, and I (we) will miss her greatly. Our love and prayers go out to you all...elaine benjamin & rich rosner
July 11, 2017
Bob and Joan Finnegan
We were so saddened to hear of the death of Cathy this past weekend. We had looked so very much to see her and Bob at the upcoming August picnic of the Stamp Club. It is our sincere hope that this sudden passing can be overcome with the many memories ALL had of Cathy's meaningful life. May this most difficult time for the family be overcome with reflection on all the good Cathy presented while with others in and out of her immediate family circle.
July 11, 2017
Lynn and Carl Schweibert
Dear Bob and family. It is with heartfelt sympathy we write this note. Cathy always was by your side and supporting all of us at Detwiler Tennis in New Smyrna Beach. She put up with our fun and antics with a smile on her face. Please know how much we care. Our love end prayers are with you.
July 11, 2017
Roland Holstead
Bob and family, Sharyn and I share your grief and pray for her soul and your confidence that she is reunited with Jimmie and Steven. You first introduced Cathy to me 60 years ago this past Spring when you both were sophomores at Oneonta State. I have had deep affection and admiration for her ever since.
July 11, 2017
The Harringtons
Robert Henry,
So very sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. TJ and I hold you close and safe in our hearts at this sad time.
July 11, 2017
Hoffman Family
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time.
July 10, 2017
Theresa Bolton
Mr. Holstead,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your precious wife. I hope that you and your family find peace in knowing that there are people who love you and care about you.
With Sympathy,
Theresa Bolton
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