Obituary of Dr. Cathleen C. March, Ph.D

Dr. Cathleen C. March, Ph.D., passed away with loving family by her side, on Thursday August 29^th, 2024 at Niagara Hospice House.  Born in Port Jervis, NY, she was the daughter of Fred Case and Mary Elizabeth (Walter) Allen.  She is survived by her children Elizabeth “Libby” (Sean) Leeds, Brian (Evelyn) Austin, Matthew (Heidi) Austin and Melinda (Bret) Rehwaldt.  Grandmother of Maggie, Ellie, Annie and Katie Leeds, Max and Elliot Meadows, Lucas, Sam and Allyson Austin, and Alaura and Ethan Rehwaldt. 

Dr. Cathleen March had a long career as a reading specialist at Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina N.Y.  She received her PhD. in literacy from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1997. She was a lifelong educator and extended her career as a professor at several local colleges. She worked well into her seventies and finished her exemplary career as a beloved, tenured, college professor at D’Youville University in Buffalo.

As a committed instructor, Dr. March gave many workshops, seminars and conference presentations nationally and internationally. Her favorite topics of discussions were adult literacy, read alouds to children, authentic assessment and reading and writing workshops.  She was an incredible storyteller and was often requested to present at various schools.  She received many awards over her long career but one that she was most proud of was the “Educator of Excellence” for all of New York State. Dr. March’s love of education was only outdone by her love of family and friends. Her fondest pastimes were reading, writing, sewing and quilting. 

Dr. March was deeply attached to community service and volunteerism including, library story hours, volunteering at various public schools and many local organizations.  She spent much of her retirement volunteering for Niagara Hospice.  She received the Hospice Directors Award in March of 2024.

Our beautiful, brilliant and brave Mother will always fondly and lovingly be remembered as Dr. Mom and Cathread.  You will forever remain in our hearts. 

Family and friends are invited to Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, September 06, 2024.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for close family and friends.  Those wishing may remember Dr. March with a donation to The Annie Leeds Adventure Foundation 7474 Old Dysinger Road Lockport, NY, 14094, The SATB2 Gene Foundation satb2gene.org (3050 Five Forks Trickum Road, Suite D-524 Lilburn, GA 30047.  or Niagara County Hospice.

 Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.