Obituary for Cathy C. Vanina (Powers)
GUILDERLAND- Cathy Cecelia (Powers) Vanina entered peacefully into her eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, the 11th of February following a courageous battle with cancer. Cathy was the beloved wife of 29 years to Robert Vanina and proud mother of Adison Charles and Jordan Cecelia (fiancé Andrew Pearce). She was the daughter of Dorothy Powers and the late William Powers, Jr. Cathy was the dear sister of William Powers III, Kristin Upson (James) and the late Susan Serfilippi. She is also survived by her brother-in-law John Serfilippi and many loving nieces/nephews and special friends.
Cathy’s fondest memories were spent with her family. She was very proud of her children’s accomplishments and never missed one of their school events, soccer or softball games, or cheerleading competitions. Spending summers in St. Thomas, USVI, relaxing on the beach and snorkeling with her family were the highlight of our summer months together.
Cathy was born on February 3, 1962 and was raised in Waterford. At a very early age she discovered her love of basketball and softball. She played ball through her college years and experienced great success. A graduate of St. Mary’s School in Waterford, Keveny Memorial Academy formerly of Cohoes, Oneonta State (Bachelor of Education) and U-Albany (Masters in Math) Cathy enjoyed a successful 24-year career in teaching. Immediately upon graduating from Oneonta Cathy began her career at St. Mary’s School in Waterford. She then taught at Tamarac Elementary for many years where she received tenure. With the start of our family, Cathy became a stay-at-home mom to raise our two wonderful children. As our children began school, she returned to teaching at the Guilderland and Niskayuna Central School Districts in a variety of roles allowing her to express her love of teaching math. Cathy’s passion for math and love of education allowed her to connect with her students on a personal level. Her commitment to the true success of her students, beyond the grades, brought her the love of her students and their parents, as well as the respect of her colleagues. Cathy’s love of teaching extended well beyond the classroom. Throughout the years she spent many successful seasons coaching girls’ basketball and softball relying on the skills she learned from her dad.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their love, prayers, support and the many delicious cooked meals. A special thank you to Birchwood Elementary School staff, students and parents for their support and well-wishes. Thank you also to Dr. Maria Theodoulou and the team at NYOH for their exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be Monday at 11:30 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 119
Broad St. Waterford. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford.
Relatives and friends may visit with her family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2- 5 pm.
As per pandemic regulations, masks are required, social distancing practiced and occupancy limitations observed.
Those who wish may make contributions in Cathy’s name to St. Mary’s School at 12-Sixth Street, Waterford, NY 12188.
Cathy’s fondest memories were spent with her family. She was very proud of her children’s accomplishments and never missed one of their school events, soccer or softball games, or cheerleading competitions. Spending summers in St. Thomas, USVI, relaxing on the beach and snorkeling with her family were the highlight of our summer months together.
Cathy was born on February 3, 1962 and was raised in Waterford. At a very early age she discovered her love of basketball and softball. She played ball through her college years and experienced great success. A graduate of St. Mary’s School in Waterford, Keveny Memorial Academy formerly of Cohoes, Oneonta State (Bachelor of Education) and U-Albany (Masters in Math) Cathy enjoyed a successful 24-year career in teaching. Immediately upon graduating from Oneonta Cathy began her career at St. Mary’s School in Waterford. She then taught at Tamarac Elementary for many years where she received tenure. With the start of our family, Cathy became a stay-at-home mom to raise our two wonderful children. As our children began school, she returned to teaching at the Guilderland and Niskayuna Central School Districts in a variety of roles allowing her to express her love of teaching math. Cathy’s passion for math and love of education allowed her to connect with her students on a personal level. Her commitment to the true success of her students, beyond the grades, brought her the love of her students and their parents, as well as the respect of her colleagues. Cathy’s love of teaching extended well beyond the classroom. Throughout the years she spent many successful seasons coaching girls’ basketball and softball relying on the skills she learned from her dad.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their love, prayers, support and the many delicious cooked meals. A special thank you to Birchwood Elementary School staff, students and parents for their support and well-wishes. Thank you also to Dr. Maria Theodoulou and the team at NYOH for their exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be Monday at 11:30 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 119
Broad St. Waterford. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford.
Relatives and friends may visit with her family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2- 5 pm.
As per pandemic regulations, masks are required, social distancing practiced and occupancy limitations observed.
Those who wish may make contributions in Cathy’s name to St. Mary’s School at 12-Sixth Street, Waterford, NY 12188.