Obituary of Catherine Nelson Tormey

Catherine (Kay) Nelson Tormey of Syracuse passed away on August 29, 2015 while a resident at St. Camillus Rehabilitation and Nursing home. Kay was 97 years old. For 52 years, Kay was the loving wife of the late James C. Tormey Jr., the devoted mother of Judge James (Susan) Tormey; daughters, Kathleen Tormey, Patricia Malley, Sharon (William) Michaels and predeceased by son, J. Gregory Tormey. Kay was the proudest grandmother to her nine beautiful grandchildren and each one of them so proud of her: Sean, Ryan and Erin Malley, Andrew (Kelly) and Colleen Tormey, Lindsey, Mallory, Lauren and Gregory Michaels, and one great grandson, Jack Andrew Tormey. Kay was born in Utica, the daughter of Thomas and Jane Nelson and had two brothers, James Nelson and Thomas Nelson, and three sisters; Betty Jane (Gordon) Griffith, Pat Dwyer and Joan Finnegan; and one sister-in-law, Connie Scalzo of Virginia; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Kay graduated from St. Francis de Salles High School in Utica, the Utica School of Commerce and then worked as a secretary at the Utica Mutual Insurance Company and the Rome Air Force Base. Kay's life revolved around her beloved family and she enjoyed cooking delicious meals, sharing all of the special milestones, sporting events and interests of her children and grandchildren and enjoyed cheering for the Yankees, SU basketball and playing pitch. Kay embraced a deep faith and was thankful for life's bountiful blessings. She would have wanted to share a special Irish blessing to reflect the many blessings throughout her long life… May love and laughter light your days And warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, Wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world With joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons Bring the best to you and yours. The entire Tormey family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated nurses, staff and volunteers at St. Camillus for their professional and compassionate care and concern. They are a special group of individuals dedicated to ensuring that our loved ones are cared for with dignity and respect. The family will hold a private funeral mass at Most Holy Rosary Church with Father Fred Mannara presiding. The family wishes to thank Fr. Mannara, Pastor of Most Holy Rosary Church, for his longtime spiritual guidance to Kay and the entire Tormey family. In lieu of flowers anyone wishing might consider a contribution to St. Camillus, or simply hold dear an Irish blessing.