Catherine Barrington

Catherine Barrington, 87, of Tottenville, a dedicated mother and grandmother who was the heart of her family, as her house was its hub, died Nov. 24 at home.

Born and raised Catherine Franks in London, she graduated from high school there in 1943.

She and James A. Barrington met in a small town in the suburbs, where their families had sought refuge from the devastating German bombardment of London during World War II. He was in the British army, and after they married she traveled with her soldier husband, living in England, Germany and Singapore.

When he retired from the military, the family immigrated to the U.S. with their then-five children, moving to Texas in 1962. They returned to England briefly, but came back to the U.S. in 1963, living in Westchester County before settling in Tottenville in 1965. Two more children were born there.

Mrs. Barrington most loved being with her husband and children, and when he died young, she carried on, making sure her two boys and five girls were happy, healthy and well-raised.

She loved to read and to cook, and relished having family over for Sunday dinner, usually a roast. She especially enjoyed having them all there for the holidays.

James A., her husband of 25 years, died in 1974. She also was preceded in death by her daughter, Jane Barrington, in 2013.

Surviving are her sons, James M. and John W.; her daughters, Maggie, Lesley, Patricia and Susan Barrington; a brother, William Franks; two sisters, Mary Day and Pat Holloway, and six grandchildren.

Arrangements were handled by the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville.

Services: Direct Cremation

Visitation:

Cemetery: Cremation Will Be Private

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home