Obituary of Catherine Appell

Catherine Appell (1923-2016) Catherine Appell (Stagg) of Woodside, Queens passed away peacefully on June 16, 2016, at The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan surrounded by her family. Lovingly known as "Kay" by her husband Lawrence Appell (deceased 2012), "Mom" by her three children and "Nana" by her eight grandchildren and many others, she was born at home on Kent Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on October 6, 1923. After marrying her husband Larry at the age of 23 she devoted her life's work to being homemaker, wife and mother. As a longtime resident of the Celtic Park Apartments for nearly 70 years, Catherine was a popular staple in her neighborhood, always warmly greeted as "Mrs. Appell" and as if she were the town's mayor. Most of all she loved being free, independent and always on-the-go, shopping on Greenpoint Avenue, sitting on the Celtics' benches in the sun, winning at the casino, watching her grandchildren, and seeing and speaking with all of her many friends and neighbors. She loved sharing both fun and simple times with her family. She is survived by her beautiful, loving and devoted sister Dorothy Follo (Stagg). She deeply loved her parents Margaret (O'Shaughnessy) and Robert Stagg and she dearly missed her brothers Robert "Buddy", Raymond, Edward and Charles and the good times they always shared. Catherine is the loving and selfless mother of Maureen Woods (husband George), Lawrence Appell (wife Marian), and Catherine Appell-Chianella. She also is the beloved Nana to George Woods IV, Gary Woods (wife Mary), Lauren Woods (fiancé Thomas Owens), Daniel Woods (fiancé Deanna Andrisani), Lawrence Appell, Ann Marie Appell, Maureen Appell, and Kevin Chianella who she helped lovingly raise. She is also great-grandmother to James Woods. During World War II Catherine helped support the war effort working in the Bulova Watch Company helping to make intricate machinery. She dedicated the rest of her life and unwavering support to her husband, children, grandchildren and family. Catherine was a naturally beautiful American girl and an even more beautiful person on the inside. She always kept her strong Catholic faith, had the biggest heart, and the kindest blue and twinkling Irish smiling eyes. Her love and protection of her family and friends was unwavering no matter the circumstances and she always tried to see the good in all people. But even as a sweet, kind and petite woman she packed quite a punch when she needed to protect her family. She was a true fighter and a survivor, beating breast cancer and withstanding the difficult losses of many of her family members too soon. Her family will never forget the undying love and care she always showed them, along with the countless good times and fun memories. Until we meet again. Our very own St. Catherine is now at peace in heaven and finally free of all this Earth's worries and stresses. In lieu of flowers, please kindly make a donation to The Mount Sinai Hospital in her name to its Palliative Care Unit to support their incredible patient care; or its Mount Sinai Heart hospital to further support the good works of cardiologist Dr. Valentin Fuster who cared for Nana with unfailing grace and compassion. Catherine's wake will be held in her Queens neighborhood at the Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home on Sunday, June 19 from 2-5 and 7-9pm. Her Catholic funeral mass will be Monday, June 20 at 10:15am at St. Teresa's Church where she was a longtime parishioner and her children attended elementary school. Her burial will follow at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery in Flushing where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.