Catherine (Scafa) Talaber, wife of the late Stephen I. Talaber, formerly of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., has passed away in Lexington on December 25, 2017.

Catherine was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and retired from Vassar College.

Mother to seven children, Stephenie Hawtrey, Stephen Talaber, Francis D. Talaber, Denise Talaber, Lisa Sexton, Matthew Talaber and MicheleAnn Gyscek, Catherine loved nothing more than being with her children, eating Italian food and pastries, enjoying music, and helping others. She had the opportunity to visit Italy, her parent's homeland, and forever carried that time in her heart.

A devout Catholic, Catherine left this earth on Christmas for eternal life with family. Deeply loved by all who knew her, and were fortunate enough to be a part of her life, she will be missed always.

No one made her prouder than her children and grandchildren (Tanya, Tommy, StephenJames, TessaRose, Forrest, Dakota and Noah).

Catherine's family is saddened by her passing, but grateful for having had such a compassionate, forgiving, encouraging, funny and insightful mother in their lives for so long.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of mom to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or donors@stjude.orgA.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.