Catherine was born on January 20, 1932, on Staten Island, New York, to Robert P. Ryan and Catherine née Demmetti Ryan. She served her country in the Naval Reserves on Staten Island from 1953-1955 and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from Notre Dame College of Staten Island and her Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Fordham University. Catherine earned her teaching certificate from Wagner College. She taught elementary school for 26 years at PS 36 in New York City.
On April 27, 1957, she married Robert W. Illig, Jr. They proudly raised two sons, Jeffrey and Gregory, and one daughter, Geraldine. Catherine and Robert had a loving marriage of 53 years. They shared a passion for the water and for travel. Together, they created a beautiful family home and years of memories at Bear Creek Lake in Pennsylvania. Catherine and her husband saw the world together, traveling throughout much of the United States and Europe. They settled in Marco Island, Florida, to peacefully enjoy their final years together.
Catherine said her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children, nine grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. at San Marco Catholic Church. Donations may be sent to Heart of Hospice Foundation, 7 Technology Circle, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29203, or online at www.heartofhospicefoundation.net.
