October 30, 2023

Catherine A. Heaslip, 87, of Clayton, NY passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 30, 2023 at Samaritan Medical Center. At her side was her beloved husband of 67 years, John Heaslip.

Catherine was born in Watertown, NY on April 8, 1936. She was the daughter of Antonio and Mary (Trenca) Pietropaoli, and was a graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1954. On January 23, 1956 she married John Heaslip at St. Anthony’s Church in Watertown.

Catherine had worked as a sales clerk at Marsh Shoes, in Watertown; and a playground director for the Watertown Recreation Department. When she moved to Clayton, she worked as a waitress at the Victorian Restaurant, and retired as a sales clerk for Gray’s Wholesale. Catherine was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Clayton. She enjoyed playing softball and basketball in the City Leagues, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing. Throughout her long life, she loved cooking for her family—and she never disappointed. Catherine and John spent 20 winters in Palm Bay, Florida and in the warmer months, they lived on the beautiful St. Lawrence River. In her later years, Catherine often enjoyed sitting outside on her deck where she would welcome visitors, feed birds, and watch the ships go by on the river.

Along with her husband, John, Catherine is survived by her two daughters, Mary Paul (James), Clayton and Toni Kukowski (Barry), Clayton; four grandchildren, Rebecca Bond (Jason), Abby Paul, Anna Coghlan (Matthew), and Emma Cameron (Michael); four great-grandchildren, Adam and Paul Bond, Carson Coghlan, and Cavanagh Cameron; two sisters, Helen Guardino, and Linda Bouvier (Jeff), both of Clayton. Catherine was predeceased by her infant son, John Heaslip, Jr., her sister, Lydia Peters, and her parents.

At Catherine’s request, her body will be donated to SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church in Clayton, NY. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.  In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Mary's Church, 521 James St., Clayton, NY 13624.