POUGHKEEPSIE – Catherine Pete, age 85, passed away recently in Poughkeepsie, New York. She was a long-time resident of the Poughkeepsie area.
She was born May 16, 1930 in Tuxedo Park, New York. Cathy was predeceased by her parents, Auguste Maurice Pete and Alexanderina Fyte Cooper Pete. Cathy grew up in Tuxedo Park where she attended public schools. She was Salutatorian of her high school class. Cathy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Vermont. She completed a College Management Training Program at Radcliffe College and attended a Syracuse University South Asian Program which culminated in a study-tour grant to India followed by travel in Thailand and Japan. She returned to University of Vermont for her Master’s Degree. She taught regents level high school social studies at Millbrook High School in Dutchess County for 42 years. She was a cheerleading coach and founded the debate team. Before her retirement, the debate team took first place in two national championships held in the halls of Congress. Cathy was President of the Mid-Hudson Social Studies Council and presented a conference and programs to social studies teachers using the facilities at the New York State University at New Paltz. She also served on the New York State Regents Testing Committee. Cathy credited her professional accomplishments to the superb education she received at the University of Vermont. Cathy was devoted to her students. She helped many students gain admission to various institutions including the United State Military Academy at West Point and other similar colleges.
Cathy was an avid reader and she knew her Scottish history. She had a lifelong passion for Scottish terriers. Her family helped to perfect the breed in Aberdeen, Scotland. Cathy was a member of the Scottish Society of Poughkeepsie, New York where she served as Chaplain. She was also a member of the Thistle Club, The Coterie, and Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church in LaGrangeville where she started the lay reading program. She was proud to have been the Grand Matron of the local Eastern Star Society, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
Cathy’s generous, kind hearted spirit endeared her to many friends. Her friends would like to thank the Hospice Team, and the nurses and staff of Five Cooke Wing at the Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital for their caring attention given to Cathy during her stay there.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 12:30pm at Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, 1165 Route 55, LaGrangeville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, PO Box 400, LaGrangeville, NY 12540.
