Catherine "Katey" E. Holmes

Loudonville, NY-Catherine Elizabeth Freeman Holmes, Katey, passed into eternal life on January 13, 2023 at home with her family at her side. For over two years, she fought the good fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). No matter the struggle, she maintained a positive attitude, a smile on her face, a good sense of humor…and a love of God. Katey was born on September 15, 1951 in Albany, NY. She spent her childhood in Deerland on Long Lake in the Central Adirondacks. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Marian Freeman. Katey attended and graduated from Long Lake Central School and was the salutatorian of the Long Lake High School Class of 1969. Katey then attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of St. Rose, Class of 1973, in Albany, NY. She did post graduate studies at The College of St. Rose, Russell Sage College in Troy and the State University of Albany. Joining the teaching staff, Katey began a long and successful thirty year career as an Art Teacher at Watervliet Junior-Senior High School where she excelled in the front of the classroom. Katey was well recognized as a teacher who could motivate the most disenchanted student and was often called upon by the school administration to ‘save’ a faltering student and she never failed at that. Beyond the classroom, Katey continued to work with students as faculty advisor to the Class of 1979, the Art Club, the Photography Club, the Ski Club, the school newspaper and, particularly, to the Watervliet High School Student Negotiating Team. Coming from a small country Roman Catholic Church in Long Lake, St. Henry’s, Katey was almost overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY. But she quickly became active for many years as a member of the Cathedral Choir under the direction of J. Robert Sheehan. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immacualte Conception Parish Council and served on the altar as a Eucharistic Minister. In addition to being predeceased by her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Richard Lee Freeman. She is survived by her brother, Frederick Daniel Freeman of New Scotland, NY. Katey is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Richard M. Holmes, Sr. of Loudonville, NY. The two were married in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Monsignor Jack Jones. Katey is survived by her son, Michael (Kate) of Myrtle Beach, SC, her stepchildren, Marianne Mckenna of Indian Land, SC, Richard Holmes Jr (Kelly) of Niskayuna, NY, Thomas Holmes (Lorene) of Amsterdam, NY and Daniel Holmes (Stafany) of Charlotte, NC. Katey is also survived by her grandchildren, Kenneth, Emily, Kasey, Brian, Kyle, Candice, Lexie, Macie, Cameron, Skylar, Luciana, Luca, and Marlena. She is also survived by her two great grandchildren, Alani and Colette. Katey’s family gives a special “Thank You” to The Community Hospice of Albany, NY and to St. Peter’s Hospital ALS Regional Center. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Katey’s family Thursday, January 19, 2023 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Friday, January 20, 2023 at 10:00 am at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Eagle St. and Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12202 where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Those wishing to remember Katey in a special way may send a contribution to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Restoration Fund, 125 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12202. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Catherine "Katey" E. Holmes

September 15, 1951 - January 13, 2023