Obituary of Catherine E. Tobin

Catherine E. Tobin passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 16, 2023. The oldest daughter of retired Lieutenant Colonel John and Margaret (Norton) Foley, she was born on November 30, 1947 in Pueblo, Colorado. A multi-talented woman, she contributed her skills to the League of Women Voters, the YWCA, and the Lockport Women’s College Club. As a middle school teacher, Catherine made a difference in the lives of students at St. John’s, DeSales, and St. Mary’s on the Hill.

Catherine was a bold and zesty bridge player, an exercise enthusiast, and a lifelong learner who devoured books and artistic performances of all genres. Her children best remember how she modeled curiosity, spontaneity, hospitality, and creativity, how an Army brat can learn to move the furniture within the house rather than moving houses, and how she fostered the development of independence within a lovingly interdependent family. Her grandchildren best remember her epic kazoo parades, masterpiece art projects, spontaneous adventures, unbirthday parties, and countless other grandmotherly “spoils.”

Catherine is survived by her devoted husband David Tobin; loving children Renée (Joel Schneider) Tobin, Christopher (Leslie) Tobin; grandchildren Ryan, Lena, Finnegan; siblings Patricia Neill, Michael (Ginger) Foley, William Foley, Theresa Ord, Vincent “Sean” Foley, Timothy Foley; in-laws Donna Dufrane, Barbara Tobin, Martin Tobin, Maxine Powers; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends. She was predeceased by her son, Michael D. Tobin, her parents, and siblings John “JR,” Thomas, Marcus, and Brian Foley. The family wishes to thank Lydia Brown and the staff of Independence Home Care for their compassionate and loving care.

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 4-7 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home 242 Genesee Street, Lockport NY. A Memorial Mass will be offered Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11 AM in All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport NY. Inurnment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery will follow the mass. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael D. Tobin Memorial Scholarship Fund at Niagara County Community College, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn NY 14132, or a charity of choice.