Catherine A. MacDermott, 95, a lifelong area resident, died on May 14, 2026, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck.

Born on February 23, 1931, in Newburgh, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Messina and Alice D. Ogle Messina.

Catherine grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and community—values that shaped her entire life. A graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, she went on to work for Domestic Finance, where she served for many years as Head Cashier.

In her younger years, Catherine bowled in the Early Birds Bowling League at the former Holiday Lanes in Wappingers Falls, where she also served as League Secretary. She cherished the friendships formed there and the joy of friendly competition.

Music was another thread woven through her life. Catherine and her younger sister sang together in a group called Harmony Within, sharing their voices at local nursing homes and community events. Their harmonies brought

comfort, joy, and connection to many.

A woman of deep faith, Catherine read her Bible daily and lived her beliefs through quiet acts of generosity and compassion. She was "mom" to many—her home was a place of welcome, warmth, and acceptance. Her open door policy meant that anyone who needed a meal, a listening ear, or a safe place to land always found it with her.

Catherine, her husband, her sister, and brother in law were inseparable. Known affectionately as the "four horsemen," they did everything together, creating a lifetime of memories treasured by their family.

She always loved children and cared for many while raising her own, offering the same patience, gentleness, and steady love that defined her as a mother.

On November 2, 1958, in Poughkeepsie, she married Raymond R. MacDermott, who predeceased her in 2011.

Catherine is survived by her children: Carol A. Manning (Patrick) of Yuma, AZ; Sherri L. Corcoran (Michael) of Hyde Park; Thomas J. MacDermott (Maria) of Staatsburg; David A. MacDermott (Jeannine) of Holmes; and Ricky A. MacDermott (Abbi) of Poughkeepsie.

She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Tina Davis, of Tennessee; sister, Doris Serino of Poughkeepsie; many grandchildren, great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Raymond J. MacDermott; daughter-in-law, Sally MacDermott; granddaughter, Marlena Thongpaithoon; and great-grandson, Joe Thongpaithoon.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, May 20th, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, May 21st, at the Funeral Home. Chaplain Julie Makowsky will officiate.

Entombment will follow in the Community Mausoleum at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Catherine's family respectfully requests memorial donations to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington St., Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (www.hvhospice.org)

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Catherine's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.