Catherine A. “Cathy” Fontaine, 56, a resident of Franklin; died peacefully at 1:35 PM Saturday, January 3, 2015 in Oakwood Heights of Oil City following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born October 19, 1958 in Franklin, a beloved daughter of: James D. Runninger and the late: Idella E. Smith Runninger.
Cathy was a 1977 graduate of Franklin High School and had attended West Virginia University.
She was married May 24, 1980 in the former Grace Lutheran Church of Franklin to David A. Fontaine, who survives.
Cathy was employed for many years as a Logistics Analyst in the Fall Protection Industry with Miller by Honeywell of Franklin. She poured her heart and soul into her strong work ethic, and was promoted within the company many times. Many an early morning and evening one would find her car as being the only remaining one in the parking lot; with her inside, honing her skills and making sure all of the next day’s job information was perfect; so others could complete their new day’s work accurately and safely.
Cathy enjoyed knitting, crocheting and summer vacations to Myrtle Beach with a group of her close friends. She was very proud of her home. She enjoyed updating, remodeling and painting her home’s interior; along with her gardening and spring planting and landscaping.
Christmastime was always her favorite holiday time; for it was when she could spend quality time with her immediate family and to cook hearty meals and reminisce.
Being a strong-willed person with always a positive attitude, she survived 21 months of her tenacious battle with cancer. She travelled to and from UPMC-Passavant Hospital in Pittsburgh with much courage for her many treatments and surgeries.
As a social member of the Women of the Franklin Loyal Order of Moose, she always looked forward to the fun times she was able to share with her many friends there. Cathy will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched and by those who knew her well and loved her!
In addition to her husband and her father, she is also survived by a loving son: Francis X. Fontaine, III and his fiancé: Amanda Leventry of Lancaster.
Also surviving is her sister: Mary Berry and her husband Kevin of Rocky Grove; by her aunt: Lois Mong of Cooperstown and by her uncle: Robert E. Smith of Franklin; in addition to a loving niece and nephew as well as cousins, other extended family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
In accordance of her wishes, there will be no public visitation.
Private funeral services, in celebration of her life, will be planned at the convenience of her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent in Cathy’s name to: The Kirtland Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin.
Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave your note of condolence.
