Catherine Frances McCullough, 87, passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2016.  She was surrounded by family and friends at Crouse Community Center in Morrisville, N.Y., where she had lived for almost four years. Born in Rome, NY on Dec. 5, 1929, Kate was the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Ryan) Benner of Erieville, N.Y. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 55 years, John (Jack) Francis McCullough.
As a lifelong member of the Cazenovia community, Kate loved to work where she was able to interact with and trade quips with people. She spent many years at the helm of the high school cafeteria, the local drug store and most recently as the president of the Crouse Community Residents’ Council. Kate volunteered in the gift shop and could often be found in the lobby collecting money for children’s causes.
Throughout her life, Kate collected friends with her quick wit and humor, often bestowing on them the bounty of her creativity, such as homemade bread, jams, pickles, mittens or baby blankets. Kate will be remembered as someone who had a giving and caring spirit and an ability to use her humor to pull you to her and make you feel special. She spent many years at the football field and other sporting events watching her sons and cheering their friends. Kate was a communicant of St. James Church and often helped with craft shows and luncheons.
Kate leaves behind her sons, John (Susan) and Thomas (Deborah) of Cazenovia; her step-grandsons, Scott (Cheryl) Willson, Jeffrey Willson and Matthew Willson; step-great-granddaughter, Clara Willson; and her beloved granddaughters, Mary Kate (Christopher) Drzewiecki, Keely (Michael) Hubbard and Maureen McCullough; her sister, Margaret Costello; and her brother, Richard Benner (Patricia) of Cazenovia; many nieces and nephews; and grand– nieces and grand-nephews who reaped the benefit of her no-nonsense, feisty nature.
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at St. James Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia. Mass of Christian burial: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at St. James Church. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank staff and friends at Crouse Community Center for their kind attention and thoughtfulness. Contributions may be made in  her memory to Crouse Community Center, 101 South Street, Morrisville, NY 13408.
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