Catherine I. Pabst

It is with sadness and thanksgiving that we the family of Catherine I. Pabst [nee Rudowski] announce her passing on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the beautiful age of 102. The former Catherine Irene Rudowski was born on Thursday, May 12, 1921, in Buffalo New York to the late Samuel and Irene [Nowak] Rudowski. She lived in the Kaisertown section of Buffalo most of her life before moving in with her daughter Patricia in Amherst New York. "Cath", as she was most often referred to attended Buffalo Public Schools and graduated from Niagara University School of Nursing. She had a long career working for Buffalo General Hospital and Sister's of Charity Hospital. She married Kenneth H. Pabst, formally of Cheektowaga, at the Church of St. Casimir on Saturday, June 10, 1944. He predeceased her on Friday, December 2, 1994, after almost 51 years of marriage. They had three children; Richard K., Anne E. and Kenneth H. Richard passed away on April 2, 2005. Kenneth and Cath loved to bowl, go dancing at the Strand Ballroom, vacation in Hawaii, and above all else, spend time with the family cherishing every moment and making memories. She enjoyed baking and canning. Cath could almost always be found in her garden tending to her tulips in the Spring and roses in the Summer. There was always a fresh bouquet given out at each visit. Perhaps she will be remembered for her bright eyes and inviting smile. She never raised her voice, was kind and gentle and spoke fondly of everyone. Her daughter Anne Ostempowski survives her as does her son Kenneth H. Pabst. She was the dear mother-in-law of Caroline [nee Wisniewski] Pabst, Michael Ostempowski and Maryanne [nee Dietrich] Pabst. The best grandmother of 9 and great grandmother of 11 and the adored great-great grandmother of 6. Cath was the fond sister of the late Richard [the late Juliet] Rudowski, the late Margaret [the late Howard] Maynard and the late Francis [survived by Elizabeth "Betty"] Rudowski. There are numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews. Cath had many blessings in her life. She would be the first to tell you that her family and her extended family was the greatest blessing of all. She endured many hardships in her life, but faced each with courage, endurance and faith that everything would work out. Through her illnesses she remained positive and enjoyed being with her family. She fought a long and valiant battle, but she knew her God was ready to receive her with open arms and she peacefully closed her eyes. We can only imagine the reunion in heaven with her family and friends who awaited her homecoming. Although her presence will be missed, there is peace and comfort in knowing she is at peace and her family will carry on her legacy and all the many traditions that were important to her. Family and friends are encouraged to remember Cath, share a story, light a candle and leave a message of condolence for her family on her tribute page at www.kevinmmason@yahoo.com" title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.kevinmmason@yahoo.com. It was her wish to have a Memorial Mass at the Church of St. Casimir when all the family can attend. The date and time will be announced here on her tribute page for anyone wishing to attend. There will be no prior visitation also at her request. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home 154 Weimar Street [at the corner of Casimir St.] Buffalo NY 14206. For information or details please call their office at [716] 362-0199. Email: kevinmmason@yahoo.com www.kevinmmasonfuneralhome.com. Any cards for the family may be mailed directly to the funeral home and will be forwarded to her family. On behalf of Anne and Kenneth as well as all of Cath's family acknowledges all your support, encouragement and sympathy. Thank you all for your love and kindness shown to our dear mother.

Catherine I. Pabst

May 12, 1921 - May 4, 2023