Obituary of Catherine E. Achen

Whitesboro- Mrs. Catherine E. (Reid) Achen, age 87, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, Syracuse, with her loving family by her side.

  Catherine was born May 16, 1935, in Utica, NY. the daughter of the late John J. and Thelma (Maloney) Reid. Catherine graduated from Whitesboro High School, Class of 1953. She played the violin, was a majorette baton twirler, enjoyed ice skating and singing in the choir. 

  Catherine was united in marriage to the love of her life, her soul mate, best friend and true love Theodore J. Achen, on August 18, 1956 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Whitesboro and had 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. The two share a love story where their lives intertwined from the very beginning, it was destiny. She had several jobs over the years working at Woolworths, Utica Mutual, and she retired from Whitesboro School district after years of cafeteria service. She was a lifelong member of St Paul's Church, member of the Whitesboro Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for over 60 years, member of American Legion Post #1113 and she happily worked alongside her husband for Meals on Wheels for several years.   

  Catherine was kind and gentle and strong enough to speak her mind and stand up for her belief in God, her Catholic faith and her Irish heritage. Her smile and laughing eyes showed she loved life. She was quick witted with a wonderful sense of humor seeing the lighter side of life. She was adventurous, unafraid, graceful and strong. She was driven by God, guided by faith, supported by and devoted to Ted her forever love, and blessed with unending love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren near and far. Family was everything to her.

  The memories she treasures of her parents, sisters and brother included penny poker games with Jack/Camille and Mary/Bill. Christmas parties at Pat and Fred’s, polka dancing with Margaret, all the short jokes, crashing weddings at the Polish Center so her and her sisters could dance, her mom and Dad's Irish pride.

  Catherine is survived by her husband and soul mate of 66 years, Theodore J. Achen. Their marriage has been an inspiration to all that know them with their playfulness and complete loyalty to one another. Her love and life story will be carried on by her daughters Colleen Achen-Truesdale, Donna Achen-Olney, both of Whitesboro, sons Theodore Achen, Jr. FL., Thomas Achen (Kelly), Lee Center, Brian Achen, NC., son-in-law Bill Coriale, FL., grandchildren Corey Achen, Tomasine and Justin Achen, Marlee Gleason, her name sake and Godchild Catherine "Katie" Truesdale, John,  Christina (Devila) and Kasey Coriale, Ivori Achen, David, Shannon, Theodore and Nicole Olney, numerous great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Camille Reid, Herkimer, Mary Achen, Clinton, Sarah Mosher, Utica, Terry (Tom) Ball, Marcy, brother-in-law Fred Firsching, Whitesboro, a special friend that she considered her daughter Barb Hartshorn, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

  She will be welcomed into heaven by many including her beloved infant son John Achen and her loving daughter Sharon Coriale who passed only a month ago on May 2, 2022, her parents, siblings Mary Alexander, Margaret Cornmire, Patricia Firsching and John “Jack” Reid.

  Relatives and friends are invited to attend her mass on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 16 Park Ave., Whitesboro, NY. 13492. There will be no public calling hours or viewing. 

  In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Catherine's name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105-1942 or to National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 1433 North 1075 W. Suite 110, Farmington, Utah, 84025.

Goodnight Schatz, I will be with you soon. Love Ted (your Schatz)