Catherine Dorothy Hardiman

Obituary of Catherine Dorothy Hardiman Catherine D. Hardiman (nee Strong), age 69 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Eastern Niagara Hospital, surrounded her family. Cathy was born on July 3, 1945 in North Tonawanda, NY. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Eileen Strong and grew up on Strong's Farm in Wrights Corners, NY. Cathy was a graduate of DeSales High School, Class of l962. She attended Buffalo State from l962-l964 and was a graduate of Erie County Technical Institute, Class of l966. She worked as a food service supervisor at various hospitals, nursing facilities and schools in Niagara and Orleans Counties until her retirement in l995. Cathy is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Gary J. Hardiman, whom she married on June 1, l968 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Newfane, NY. After residing in Dugway, Utah and Lockport, NY, they made their home for 38 years in Middleport, NY. As longtime members of the Patriot's Camping Club, as well as Niagara's Lazy Lakes, Cathy and Gary enjoyed camping and traveling accompanied by their dogs Nikki and Sam and had wonderful memories and friendships from that time. Cathy was also a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, Lockport, F.O. E. #825. Cathy enjoyed sewing, crafts and reading. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, a caring daughter, sister, aunt and friend, but her greatest joy in life was her love for her nine grandchildren. In addition to her husband Gary, Cathy is survived by her children Catherine "Kelly" (Edward) Barney of Olcott, NY., Gary "John" Hardiman Jr. of Medina, NY and Cynthia "Cindi" (Christopher) Eberz of Middleport, NY; her precious grandchildren Colin Ahrens, Hailee Bane, Jordan Ahrens, Cooper Hardiman, Jacob Barney, Cathryn and Christopher Eberz and Luke and Matthew Barney; siblings Diane (David) Ficarra, Fred (Ann) Strong, Bill(Sherry) Strong; sister-in-law Sharon (Lester) Roberta; brother-in-law tom Hardiman; several cousins, nieces and nephews; dear friends Doug and Doreen Petty and Dan and Linda Bixler; stepmother Renie Leaman, and brothersBrook, Glenn and Barry Leaman. Cathy was predeceased by and now reunited with her parents Fred and Eileen (Simon) Strong; father Audley Leaman, mother and father-in-law Marvin and Catherine (Heschke)Hardiman; in-laws Carl "Mick" and Pat Heschke, Ernie and Edie Hoefer and Linda Tauro. Family and friends may call Sunday from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, NY where a Celebration of Cathy's life will be held Monday at 11:00 Am. with Rev. Daniel Thurber officiating. Burial will be in Wrights Corners Cemetery. Memorials to the would be appreciated by the Hardiman family. Visit www.bateswallace.co to sign guest register.