Catherine Flaherty-Franzosa

Catherine was born on 06/19/1941 to Bertha Flaherty and Charles Flaherty in Queens, NY.

Catherine is the endearing wife, and love of his life, to Joseph Franzosa of 29 years.

She is the dearest and loving Mother of April Arcand-Zotos, Caprice Schimdt (Glenn), Joseph Arcand, Joseph Franzosa (Robin), Johanna Ava Arcand, and Troy Franzosa (Julie). The best ever Nana to Taryn Schmidt-Rodriguez, Thomas Joseph Schmidt, Johnny Zotos, Jessica Franzosa, Matthew Zotos, Lyndsie Arcand, Luke Zotos, Aiden Franzosa, William Leggio, and first time Great Nana to Rylee Rodriguez.

Loving Sister to John Flaherty, (Mary) Betty Ann Fanning (Jack) and Jim Flaherty (Elizabeth). Dearest and adoring love to many cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister in laws.

In lieu of flowers the family is humbly requesting that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Cathy came from a historic railroad family, and also made a proud career of her tenure for 20 years as a Secretary for the Long Island Railroad. She truly loved her job, and made many dear and lasting friendships that were like family to her. Cathy worked in several departments within the Long Island Railroad, including Engineering, Procurement, and Accounts Payable. Her last position before retiring was in Jamaica, Queens, in the department of Strategic Investments.

Cathy loved all things of nature. She was a deep believer and worshiper of Saint Francis of Assisi, who loves and protects all of the animals of God’s kingdom. She also loved the American Indian culture. She truly loved listening and watching her birds from her deck, her flowers/gardens, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, their boat, and the beach. She also had great love for traveling and road trips with her husband Joe. She loved Disney World, going to Manhattan and taking her children and grandchildren to Broadway to see the best productions. She treasured her line/country dancing group with her husband Joe, and also made many great friends that were like family to her from her country dancing group.

Joe and Cathy had a winter home in Davenport, Florida, which they enjoyed for many years. Cathy and Joe were members there of the Civic Patrol for Polk County for Sheriff Grady Judd. They would patrol on safety watch in their community, by golf cart, and the sheriffs car to insure that their neighborhood was safe.

Cathy was truly the definition of a free, unbound, loving spirit. She loved her family and her friends that were close to her heart unconditionally. She lived for her family and husband, and only wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of and happy together. Her most cherished times was when her family was all together with her, at their home, with good food, family connection, love and laughter.

We love you Cathy, Mom, Nana. “You will be forever in our hearts. You are irreplaceable.”

Love, your dear husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone whose lives you have touched.