Cathy was born in Pontecorvo Italy in 1934 to the late Celestino and Vincenza (Fusco) Santoro. She was predeceased by her two brothers Thomas and Vincent Santoro. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was four years old and settled in Utica, NY.
She married her sweetheart, Michael Parrella Sr. in 1958 and moved to Oneonta where they built their lives together and raised their children Benjamin, Michael and Judith. Cathy and Mike were predeceased by their daughter, Mary. Cathy had an incredible and unique bond with each of her children.
Cathy was a lifelong homemaker whose passion and calling in life was to be a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother and great grandmother. She treasured her family and every moment they shared together. Cooking and baking for them was her life and legacy to her family. Her hands were never still and nobody left her home hungry. Cathy always led by example, and her strength was in the simplicity of how she approached things and lived her life. “I always did my best and that was it.”
She was an active member of Saint Mary’s Church where she volunteered her time as a Eucharistic minister. Cathy and Mike, along with John and Louise Nitto cofounded the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry where Cathy’s baked fish was legendary throughout Lent. She was an active member of the Young at Heart social group where she ran the kitchen and enjoyed monthly gatherings. Cathy and Mike were also members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club where they enjoyed group rides. Their love for travel and country western music brought them on countless roundtrips to Nashville and Branson. Eventually their greatest motorcycle journey covered over 10,000 miles across the United States to sightsee and visit national monuments. Cathy touched the hearts of everyone she met and always made everyone feel welcome and special
Cathy will be terribly missed by her husband Michael A Parrella Sr., Brother-in-Law Vincent Parrella, sister-in-law, Carol Santoro, and her children: Benjamin Parrella, Michael A Parrella Jr. (Ann Marie (Polly)), and Judith Hurlburt (David).
She is also survived by seven adoring grandchildren; and seven beautiful great grandchildren. In addition to godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins in Utica.
Cathy will be deeply missed by all who loved her and will be remembered forever in their hearts.
Cathy’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Bassett Medical Center. The family would also like to express their sincerest appreciation to all family members and friends during this difficult and sad time.
Calling hours will be held on Friday March 19, 2021 at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, from 5-7 pm.
A private catholic mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Church on Saturday March 20th followed by entombment at Mount Calvary in Emmons.
Cathy had a love for flowers and was passionate about the work of St. Jude Children’s hospital.
As a way to honor Cathy please consider planting flowers in her memory or donating to www.st.jude.org or www.stmarysoneonta.org
To leave a condolence for the family online visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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