Obituary of Catherine E. Derenthal

Catherine Ellen Derenthal, formerly of Owego, NY went home to be with the Lord Wednesday December 2nd 2020. Catherine was born on December 10th, 1930 the daughter of Robert and Nellie McCrossan of Manhattan NYC. She graduated from Cathedral high school in 1948. She married Edwin Derenthal on October 18th, 1952 at Our Lady of the Scapular of Mount Carmel. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Edwin, son Peter, grandson Keith Preston, brother Robert McCrossan and sister Mary Richardson. She is survived by 3 sons and 4 daughters and in-laws: Maureen (Ken) Preston and their two children Sonia and Michael, Thomas (Kathy DeBari) Derenthal, Brian Derenthal, Natalia Derenthal (Peter's wife), Peter's daughter Miranda Fernon and children Gabriel and Max; Anne (Wayne) Prevost and their two children Lauren and Austin. John Derenthal, Mary (Burton) Caldwell and their three children, Samantha, Andrew and Jason, Kathleen Derenthal, and her sister Gladys (Marty) Sargeant, plus many nieces and nephews. Mom married the love of her life, Edwin, and moved later to Owego to spend her life and raise a family. In mom's house, she was the behind the scenes housewife, cheerleader and chauffeur, taking care of domestic duties for a large family with pride and love. Her life revolved around doing things for the family and that was a lot considering raising 8 children over a 40- year period. Think of all the Sears Roebuck catalogs she perused buying clothes for all of us! In addition, mom loved playing piano, bridge, cross country skiing, camping and all activities involved with St. Patrick's Church such as CFM, Holy Name Society and Parish Council. Mom was a daughter of Irish immigrants and she just loved everything Irish from celebrating St. Patricks day, to making Irish soda bread to listening to Danny Boy folk music. Perhaps what defined mom best was her classic Irish talent for telling stories and enjoying an infectious laugh with family and friends. Mom was always inclusive of all people in all situations. Her favorite daughter Kathleen lived in a group home in Johnson City. Mom always made a point of spending a few moments with every person in the home to see how they were doing. One year during Christmas mom was voted the group home's favorite person! There was no doubt that mom had a way of touching people in a lasting way. Perhaps a little-known fact was mom was a fresh air kid from NYC who stayed with a family in Afton, NY as a young child during summers. They fell in love with her and wanted to adopt her but it wasn't in the cards. Over the years Mom and Dad paid back that experience by hosting a series of NYC kids in the sometimes -crowded Owego home. Mom was an extremely loving and positive mother and wife. She was the epitome of gracefulness from sun-up to sun-down and we were all so proud and lucky to be her children. Please rest now mom and know we will love you forever. You were simply the greatest ! A memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 300 Main St., Owego, NY. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. The family would like to thank United Methodist Homes in Johnson City for taking good care of mom over the years. Arrangements have been entrusted to Estey, Munroe and Fahey Funeral Home in Owego. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Tioga County Rural Ministry, 60 North Av, Owego, 13827 or Owego Fire Department Emergency Squad.