Obituary
Catherine M. (McGovern) Dempsey passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021 in Fort Myers, Florida at the age of 80.
Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Patrick N. Dempsey, her daughter Catherine (Brian) Crimmins, son Patrick N. (Carrieanne) Dempsey, Jr. and daughter Joan Dempsey. 6 grandchildren, Ashley (Thomas) Burke, Katlyn Dempsey, Kenneth Crimmins, Mackenzie Dempsey, Meghan Dempsey and Patrick Dempsey, 2 great grandchildren, Thomas Burke and Emma Burke. 5 siblings, James (Terri) McGovern, Arlene Weston, Patricia (Joseph), Bonacci, Mary Jane (Ralph) Schwebler, Carolyn McGovern, sister-in-law Patricia Dempsey, brother-in-law John Neary, Godson Anthony Tacoma, 10 nephews, 8 nieces and many dear cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Helen McGovern, in-laws, Patrick and Belinda Dempsey, grandson Brian Andrew Crimmins, sister Helen Johnson, brother Edward McGovern, sister-in-law, Roseann Neary, brothers-in-law, William Dempsey and Michael Dempsey, 3 nephews and 2 nieces.
Cathy was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 29, 1940 and inherited the name Bunny by her family because she was born around Easter.
She met the love of her life, Pat, while they were both working for an insurance company and they were married on June 2, 1962 and they bought a house in 1963 in Queens Village and raised their three children. Cathy volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at Incarnation School in Queens Village, and when all her children were in grade school Cathy went to work for a Publishing company as an editor.
Her husband Pat worked for the Postal Service and was transferred and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1985, Vienna, VA in 1988, Wheeling, Illinois in 1993, back to Vienna, Virginia in 1995 where they lived until they retired to Fort Myers Florida in 2000.
While living in Vienna, VA, Cathy volunteered for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and when she moved to Florida, she would come back for many of the events and continue to volunteer when she was back in Vienna. Cathy is a Life Member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary with 29 years of service and served on the Board of Directors. Cathy was also a Life Member to the Auxiliary to the Virginia State Firefighters Association.
Cathy continued to give back to the community while living in Florida and volunteered for the Crafty Ladies at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Myers, Florida. This church had special meaning to Cathy and Pat as John XXIII was the Pope when they were married. Cathy would crochet and donate afghans and blankets to raise money. Cathy was most noted for making Rosaries and many of her friends would call her the “rosary factory” because she would average making 100 rosaries a week and would work hard last minute if they needed extra. The rosaries were used for patients at Gulf Coast Medical Center and she would make white rosaries for baptism and First Holy Communions at St. John XXIII Catholic Church.
Cathy’s hobbies included traveling with her husband Pat, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to crochet and read.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday March 26, 2021 at 11am at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Zoom link to watch funeral virtual:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84873768543?pwd=YVl5ZkRSa1d5TW9tOFNoVTdEQitxdz09
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday May 7, 2021 at 11 am at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church, 89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd, Queens Village, NY 11428. The main entrance of the Church is on 89th Ave between Francis Lewis Blvd. and 207th Street. You will be able to watch the memorial service on the church’s website:
Please note, COVID 19 restrictions will be in place. Everyone MUST wear a mask and it is suggested that you bring hand sanitizer. In lieu of flowers those wishing to contribute in Cathy’s memory can send to the any of the following charities or a charity of their choice: Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary PO Box 1676, Vienna, VA 22183; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 502 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Hope Hospice – Hope Hospice Development Department 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
With our love, Willene and Rebekah
We will miss you forever.
Rest In Peace, dear Lady
We’re so glad we got to spend time with Bunny at the Cullinan family reunion. Wonderful to see her warm smile again. Lots of great memories.
Our condolences to all.
Love, Peggy , Jim Cullinan and family