Obituary of Catherine E. Lavarnway

Age. 94, passed away peacefully at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre PA on Thursday, January 2, 2025.  Catherine was born in Elmira, a daughter of Robert E. and Margaret Larkin Murphy.  She was predeceased by Robert F. Lavarnway, her husband of 51 years.  Catherine was also predeceased by her infant daughter Catherine Lavarnway, brother and sister-in-law Michael L. and Janice Murphy, sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Jack Maywalt.  She is survived by eight children, Bob Lavarnway (Lorrie) of The Villages FL, Bill Lavarnway (Frances) of Denver CO, Ann Korth (Frank) of Columbus OH, Margaret Laughlin (Bob) of Houston TX, Tom Lavarnway (Elle Karicher) of Elmira NY, David Lavarnway (Laura) of Warrenton VA, Michael Lavarnway (Julia) of Elmira and John Lavarnway (Pam) of Bellbrook OH; brother Thomas Murphy (Barbara) of North Carolina; 10 granddaughters, 8 grandsons, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, several nieces and nephews.

Catherine and her husband Robert were the owners of Quicker Printer in Elmira for nearly 25 years.  She was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.  Catherine was an avid quilter and prolific writer.  She was active in local book clubs and writing groups.  Catherine loved to do crossword puzzles and did the New York Times crossword puzzle every day in ink!  She had volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. 

As per Catherine’s request, there will be no calling hours.  Family and friends are invited to attend Catherine’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place Elmira, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).   Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Catherine with a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.