Catharine Ellen Gilroy Tirrell, wife of Arthur I. Tirrell from Oswego, New York, passed away suddenly due to complications of Covid-19 on January 31st, 2021. She was born July 30, 1944, the daughter of Joseph A Gilroy and Catharine Fredenburg Gilroy.

Catharine is survived by her only daughter Cayleen Joellen (Tirrell) Sawyer, her favorite son-in-law Donald Joseph Sawyer, and three beloved grandchildren, Caden Harris 14, Althea Ellen-Mae 7, and Amelia Robyn Sawyer 4 from Mexico, New York.

Also, survived by her siblings, Joseph (Jean) Gilroy, Kevin Gilroy, Mary Jo Gilroy VanDeventer, Frank (Karen) Gilroy, and James Gilroy (Jason Benz). As well as several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  Catherine is predeceased by her parents Joseph A. Gilroy and Catharine Fredenburg Gilroy, and two brothers Dennis M Gilroy and Michael S Gilroy.

Cathy was a 1962 graduate from Waterloo High School. She moved to Oswego with her husband in 1969.

Cathy belonged to the Frederick Leighton Elementary School family, working there from 1989 to 2016. She loved working with all the children over the years, and was fondly known as "Mrs. T."

Calling hours will be held at Nelson Funeral home from 3 to 5 Thursday for friends and family in Oswego, New York.

A graveside burial at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Waterloo New York will be planned for family and friends at a later date and time.

Donations in lieu of flowers may go to Frederick Leighton Elementary School.

Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.