Obituary of Catherine L. Murphy

Catherine L. Murphy GENEVA Catherine L. Murphy, 93, passed away on Thurs. (Feb. 27, 2014), at the Geneva Living Center South. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date. Catherine was born on Feb. 25, 1921, in Geneva and was a daughter of the late Louis and Mary Isabella (Sweeney) La Voie. She was a secretary for the general manager, and the first employee of the Finger Lakes Racetrack prior to opening. Upon opening, she ran the 50 dollar window. She was the first woman to cross the barrier and work at the Kentucky Derby. Catherine was a life member of the V.F.W. Women's Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 396. She was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Geneva. She is survived by her son, William Murphy of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter, Diane (Robert) Guererri of Geneva; brother, Joseph La Voie of Geneva; grandchildren, Sarah Murphy, Daniel Guererri and Ronald Guererri; several nieces and nephews. Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Arthur P. Murphy; son, Dennis Murphy; brother, Louis (Cecilia) La Voie; sister, Isabel Groden and sister-in-law, Anna Mae La Voie.