Cathy A. Hance

Winthrop- Cathy A. Hance, 63, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Sunday, August 17, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Cathy was born on October 21, 1950 in Gouverneur, daughter of Frederick E. and Betty Lou (Trimm) Kyer. She graduated from Clifton- Fine Central School; SUNY at Canton; SUNY at Potsdam and earned her Master's in Education and Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University. She married the love of her life Garnold E. Hance in DeGrasse on July 5, 1975, a marriage of 38 years, filled with mutual respect and love. Cathy was a retired Art Teacher at Massena Central School, whose students will remember her kindness, skills and warm heart. During her leisure, she pursued quilting, sewing, painting, Mah Jongg, swimming, snowmobiling and motorcycling. She enjoyed her winters in Ormond by the Sea in Florida, finding tranquility in walks along the beach. Cathy rejoiced at her role of wife, mother and Mimi; putting them before herself but with her strong spirit and kind soul, she made the best of a bad situation. She enhanced her faith through her religious study group and passed her blessings on to all she encountered. She was a member of the American Legion Post #514 Auxiliary, NYS Retired Teachers Association, and shared her love with others through the Gabriel Project. She is survived by her husband, Garn; two children, Elyse Gardner of Parishville and Travis Hance of Albany; her father and step mother, Frederick and Rosemary Kyer of DeKalb Junction; her siblings, Cheryl and Michael Pitts of Albany and Michael and Lisa Kyer of Ossining; five grandchildren, Chloë Gardner, Kassidy Gardner, Celeste Gardner, Shirah Hance and Cassius Hance; her extended family, Anthony and Evelyn Law of Ormond Beach, Florida; many nieces and nephews. Always close to her heart was the memory of her mother, Betty Lou. Visitation will be held at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, Thursday 1-3 and 6-8. Her service of Life Celebration will be Friday at 11 at the park on the St. Regis River in Brasher Falls (next to the town offices). Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Clare. Flowers are gratefully declined; those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.