Saugerties – Catherine E. Ott. died Friday, December 18, 2015 at home surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old.

Born January 8, 1926 in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of Charles Sr. and Katherine Biland Ott. She worked for many years as a private duty care giver.

For more than 60 years she was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, Secular Franciscan Order. A former Minister Prefect of St. Anthony Friary in Catskill, she taught CCD classed for developmentally disabled young people in Kingston for many years. She lived in Desert Hot Springs, CA for some time and while there was a parishioner of St. Elizabeths's and a founding member of Harvest House. She was also a member of the Woman's Club of Saugerties.

Catherine loved to drive, to dance and watch old movies and was filled with the gifts of laughter and compassion. Well into her eighties and without leaving her bed she continued to reach out to loved ones through her correspondence. Frequently exchanging letters with friends and family in several countries she remembered birthdays and anniversaries of the living and deceased. Long after she was unable to write she remained in spirit with all and enjoyed telling stories from her prolific memory. She maintained a deep personal devotion to St. Anthony who answered her prayers on behalf of her loved ones. She devoted her time equally to children and the elderly, was a dynamic lecturer and sang with the Lyric Choristers.

Survivors include her brother Charles of Centerville OH; six nieces and nephews, Virginia Legg, Wayne Swart, Bruce Swart, Kathy Doherty, Carol Contardi, and Tom Ott,; and several great nieces and great nephews. Also surviving are her God-children who were very close to her, Angela Marczewski, Robbie Andreassen, Sherry Swart and Victoria Upshur. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Gloria A. Swart in 2005.

A Funeral procession will form 9:00 AM Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Buono Funeral Service, Inc., Saugerties, NY and then proceed to St. Catherine Laboure in Lake Katrine, where a 10:00 AM a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Friends may call Monday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Buono Funeral Service, Inc.