January 17, 2012
Mrs. Catherine M. (Miller) Horenstein, 87, of Mayfield, died Tuesday evening, Jan. 17, 2012, at Mountain Valley Hospice with her family at her side, following a brief illness.
She was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Flushing, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Darby Miller. A graduate of Newton High School in New York City, she later served her country faithfully in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. She then received her nursing degree in 1947 from Flushing Hospital and Dispensary School of Nursing.
Catherine was married May 22, 1948, to Dr. Philip Horenstein. During their honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls they drove through the Adirondack area and met Dr. Grumwald, the town doctor of Mayfield. He was looking for someone to take over his practice so he could retire. Catherine and Philip cut their honeymoon trip short and returned to settle in Mayfield, where they set up their family medical practice in 1948. In the early 1950s they purchased what was originally North Main Street School 6, built in 1860 and formerly known as the Union Free School. The one-room school house history had special meaning to Catherine. She enjoyed the small-town feel with its early American history.
Mrs. Horenstein was very active in founding the Bannertown Players. She donated extensively and participated in preserving the Rice Homestead. She felt that this was a piece of history that Mayfield was honored to have. She was also a proud participant of the Mayfield Bicentennial in 1994.
Her most dedicated service accomplishment was her many years of service to the American Heart Association. She held roles of delegate, director, speaker, New York state affiliate and secretary. Ever the nurse, she felt it was important to do whatever she could to advance the heart program and stimulate public support against diseases of the heart and circulation.
Catherine was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gloversville. She served on the board of directors of Nathan Littauer Hospital many years ago.
She was a beloved mother and grandmother who kept her family very close to her heart. Survivors include her daughter, Karen R. Storms and husband Michael of Los Angeles; five grandchildren, Catherine Robbins, David Strait Jr; Austin Storms, Kirsten Storms and Gretchen Storms; and a nephew, Patrick Keane. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Philip Horenstein, and daughter, Mary Jo Strait; also by her sister, Florence Keane.
The family received relatives and friends Saturday, Jan. 21, at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service followed with the Very Rev. Donald Czelusniak officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at Union Rural Cemetery, Mayfield. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Assoc; 440 New Karner Road, Albany 12205; or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville; or to the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Road, Gloversville 12078.
Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.