Obituary of Catherine Delrue

Catherine (Kate) Mildred LaVoy was born on July 7, 1922 in Erie. She was one of six children born from the union of the late Burnum LaVoy and the late Amelia (Trabbic) LaVoy. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church attending the grade school there. She married Albert Delrue at St. Joseph Church on June 12, 1947. Together they raised nine children. For seven years Kate worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. Kate and Albert owned and operated their family business the Erie Restaurant and Bar for 35 years. Kate was active in her church and served as a member of the St. Joseph Altar Society. She cherished the time spent with her family and friends. She took great pride in choosing the perfect toys for her grandchildren. Kate appreciated the outdoors in her garden, traveling and taking photographs. In her quiet time, she enjoyed crocheting. Catherine Mildred Delrue, age 92, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital, joining her beloved husband Albert, seventeen years to the day. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by three brothers: Harold, Norman, and Herman LaVoy; and two sisters: Teresa and Rosemary LaVoy, son-in-law Jim McClain and two infant grandsons. To cherish her memory she leaves nine children: Robert (Rosalie) Delrue of Toledo, Elsie McClain of Erie, Rose Delrue of Erie, Carol (John) Pauli of Erie, Juliann Delrue (Richard Lewandowski) of Erie, Albert D. (Vicki) Delrue of Erie, Philip (Karen) Delrue of Grand Rapids, Joseph (Vicky) Delrue of Forest, Virginia and Mary Delrue of Hudsonville; eighteen grandchildren: Alan, Todd D., Todd S., Bobby, Lori, Mark M, John, Jeff, Jen, Lisa, Brian, Sarah, Emily, Erin, Elaine, Elizabeth, Brittany and Sierra; forty‐four great grandchildren; and seventeen great‐great grandchildren. Friends may gather on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241‐7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services) from 2:00pm until 8 pm. A Rosary Service which will take place at 7:00 pm. Catherine will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Monday, January 19, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan in Erie. Father David Cybulski will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph School in Erie. Kate, all nine children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren attended St. Joseph School. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.