Catherine M. Celtruda (Graf), a longtime resident of Hopewell Junction, NY, passed away peacefully on June 1st.

Born on September 19, 1945, in the Bronx, NY, Cathy was the eldest of Henry and Catherine Graf's (Markey) six children. She spent her formative years in Buchanan, NY, where she graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School. In 1967, she received her BA in History & Education at Mercy College. A lifelong learner, Cathy continued her education and completed her MS in Child and Adolescent Study from Western Connecticut State College in 1994.

Cathy began her career in education as a fourth-grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson School in Yorktown, NY. After her marriage, she continued to teach in the Lakeland School District before taking time to focus on raising her children. Cathy then dedicated 25 years as a fourth-grade teacher at Gayhead Elementary School in the Wappinger's School District. Her warmth and dedication left lasting impressions on her students and colleagues.

Throughout her lifetime, she prioritized nurturing family ties, regularly hosting large family gatherings to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Her presence will be deeply missed.

In her retirement, Cathy enjoyed numerous hobbies, including gardening, reading, and watercolor painting. She was also an active community volunteer in her town and church. Above all, Cathy cherished moments spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Cathy was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Joseph O. Celtruda; her parents, Henry and Catherine Graf; her brother, Joseph Graf; her sister, Rosalie Premuroso; and her niece, Christine Premuroso. She is survived by her sisters, Theresa Kohut of Millbrook, NY; Patricia Outhouse of Delhi, NY; and Geralyn Magan of Clarksville, MD. She is also survived by her sons, Joseph (Patricia) Celtruda of Mechanicville, NY, and Michael (Desiree) Celtruda of Brookline, MA; her five grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, Matthew, Rafael, and Bianca; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 9th, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 10th, at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction, followed by interment at St. Denis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.