Catherine Kress, 80, passed away on August 31 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed.

Catherine (Cathy to those dear) was born on December 11, 1942, to Colonel Edwin Howell and Kathleen Howell in Rochester NY. Catherine travelled the country during her childhood with siblings John Howell and Sarah Snowden and was especially fond of her formative years in Rome NY. Catherine received a B.S.in elementary education at Keuka College and eventually went on to receive a M.S. in Education from SUNY Brockport and a C.A.S in School Administration from SUNY Brockport.

While teaching in Rochester NY, Catherine met the love of her life, Thomas A. Kress, and was married on 6/26/1965 in Rome NY. They went on to have 5 children: Brian Kress (and spouse Patrica Ann Kress), Kevin Kress (Danielle Kress), Thomas J. Kress (Tahmina Nasrin), Marcia Pistner (Nathan Pistner) and Daniel Kress. She is survived by her children and her 10 loving grandchildren Abby, Eliade, Bennett, Lylie, Liam, Adian, Zoe, Lucy, Carter and Max.

During her life, Catherine was devoted to the Catholic Church and to elementary education. During her long career she held countless positions from kindergarten teacher to supervisor rising to become school principal at three institutions: Holy Cross, Nazareth Hall, and Guardian Angel’s Elementary school. In retirement, she remained involved as a Mercy Associate for the Sisters of Mercy, participating in choir and many other aspects of service. In all roles, she provided leadership and inspiration to children, teachers, clergy, laity, parents, peers, and the community. She set a life-long example of placing emphasis on those in need.

In addition to her generosity and selflessness, Catherine was known for her kindness and empathy. Catherine had countless friends and a unique ability to make new ones wherever she went. For those in her company, it was a regular occurrence to bump into someone she knew. For her family, we were frequently asked if we were among her relations. Everywhere she went, she would light up the room and the occasion was that much more delightful for everyone with her presence.

The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Millers Funeral Home, 3325 Winton Road South, 14623.
Memorial calling hours to be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. 3325 Winton Rd. South. Mass to be held at 9:00 am Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Louis Church 64 S Main St. Pittsford. Followed by an inurnment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are welcome to donate to the
Alzheimer’s association
Click HERE to Donate Online, or to download a donation form to mail to:
Attn: Bonnie Webster
200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110
Rochester, NY 14618

or to the

Rochester congregation of the Sisters of Mercy
Click HERE to Donate