Catherine McMullen

Catherine McMullen, 95, of Plattsburgh, NY, died Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at home with her loving family by her side.    

Catherine was born on November 2, 1924 in Avoca, PA and was the daughter of the late Rose Connell and James O’Malley.  She graduated from Pittston Area High School and entered the workforce, as an agent for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, where she worked for 30 years.  She first resided in Harding, PA with her first husband, Joseph McGarry, and daughter, Colleen, until Joseph’s death in 1970.  She then remarried Robert McMullen and moved to Avoca, PA, where she was President of the Altar and Rosary Society, an active member of St. Mary’s church and choir, and enjoyed playing the organ.  Lastly, she moved to Plattsburgh, NY to live closer to daughter Colleen Lutinski, son-in-law Richard Lutinski, and grandchildren Jeanine and Jonathan, where she was beloved by her friends and neighbors on West Court Street.   

Catherine was predeceased by her parents; siblings (five sisters and four brothers); first husband (Joseph McGarry); second husband (Robert McMullen); and stepson (Thomas McMullen).  

She is survived by a large and loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including daughter Colleen Lutinski and son-in-law Richard; granddaughter Jeanine Belsky, husband Jared, and two great-grandchildren Avner and Alex of Atlanta, GA; grandson Jonathan Lutinski of Brooklyn, NY; stepdaughter Patricia Quinn and family of Moosic, PA; stepsister-in-law Anne McMullen and family of Avoca, PA; and favorite canine companion Carrie.  A special thanks to niece Cathy Eckenrode; nephew Brian McCarthy; Pat Quinn; Michael Quinn Jr.; and Kevin McMullen, who always had Catherine on their minds and in their hearts.  The family also thanks Catherine’s home health care aides Jane Cannon, Elaine Bruso, Kendra Allen, and Cheryl Monty, and Laura Ann Facteau of North Country Home Services and Hospice caretakers Becky Dominy, Becky Eppler and Sister Mary Ann Gour of Hospice of the North Country for their exceptional care. 

Calling hours are from 4-7 pm on Sunday, December 1, at the funeral home.

The funeral will be held at 9:30 am Monday, December 2, at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 Main Street, Avoca with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 pm in Queen of the Apostles Church, 715 Hawthorne Street, Avoca, with Father Phillip Sladicka officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Donations in Catherine’s memory may be made to Queen of the Apostles Church, Avoca, PA or Elmore SPCA, Peru, NY.       

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