Obituary of Catherine C. Niles

Warrensburg: Catherine Cassidy Niles, 93, formerly of Prospect Street, passed away peacefully Friday, December 26, 2014 in Albany. Born July 16, 1921 in Malone, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Kathryn (Cavanaugh) Cassidy. Catherine was raised by her uncle, Rufus Cassidy, on his farm in Chateaugay, and spent several summers with her father in Lake Placid, following the death of her mother at an early age. Upon her graduation from Chateaugay High School, Catherine went on to Plattsburgh State College for Teachers, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She quickly became employed by Warrensburg Central School, where she met Kenneth E. Niles, who was the music director. The couple wed on August 28, 1944 at the Roman Catholic Church in her hometown of Chateaugay. Catherine enjoyed the remainder of her teaching career at Lake George Elementary School, until her retirement in 1978. As long time residents of Warrensburg, and the parents to five boys, Ken and Catherine, were active members of St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, and she also belonged to the Rosary Society. The couple ran a concession stand at the Echo Lake town beach for several years, and spent many of their summers camping at Cedar Top Campground on Paradox Lake. Catherine enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, including both downhill and cross-country skiing, and biking; she was an avid walker, who could frequently be found walking the streets of Warrensburg, 2-3 miles at a time. In addition to her parents and late husband, who passed away in 2003, Catherine was predeceased by half brothers and sisters, Eileen Efner, Rita Cassidy, Leonard Cassidy, and Gerald Cassidy. She is survived by five sons, Charles Niles and his wife, Sheila, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Douglas Niles and his companion, Mary Simmons, of Saratoga, Roger Niles and his wife, Judy, of Clifton Park, James Niles and his wife, Carol, of Lake Luzerne, and Andrew Niles and his wife, Rita, of Loudonville; six grandchildren, Julie Stinson, and Mark, Jeremy, Jenna, Maya, and Owen Niles; four great-grandchildren, Antonia, Reid, Hugh, and Celeste; half brothers and sisters, Mary Sullivan, Daniel Cassidy, and Julia LaSalle. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Catherine’s family from 5 to 8 pm, Monday, January 5, 2015 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg. Rite of Committal will take place in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Warrensburg, in the spring where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Catherine’s memory to Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.