Catherine Tanner

Tanner, Catherine Eleanor

Slingerlands-Catherine Eleanor LaGrua Tanner passed away January 2, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. Eleanor, as she was known, was born March 3, 1918 to Michael LaGrua and Theresa Valente LaGrua in the Bronx. She moved upstate with her family when she was five, graduated from Vincentian Institute, the New York State College for Teachers (now University at Albany) and completed graduate work at Albany and Columbia University.
Just out of college Eleanor began her teaching career in 1938 in Rensselaerville, NY, where she met her husband, Alfred. Alfred and Eleanor were married in 1942 and moved to Castleton, NY. Eleanor continued teaching in Castleton and as a teacher during World War II served on the Ration Board. She took time off after her children were born, returned to teaching at Maple Hill High School and retired in 1974. After retiring Eleanor had time to explore her many interests, including community activities, travel, growing flowers, baking, bird-watching from her living room window, knitting and reading. She was a member of the Castleton Library Board, Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Castleton Study Club, Castleton Senior Citizens and a communicant of Sacred Heart Church.
Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Alfred and sister, Maria. She is survived by her loving children, Kathleen of Delmar, NY and John of Gaithersburg, MD, and by close family friends David, Arlene and Jessica Newman. An animal lover she shared her long life with many cats, dogs, a couple of parakeets and numerous tropical fish. She is also survived by two sweet cats, Smokey and Snowbelle, who she cared for lovingly during vacation times and who miss her very much.
The family thanks the staff at the Terrace for their care over the past three years and the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their care during her final days.
Her funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday January 7, 2013 at Ray Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave., Castleton, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home prior to the service from 12-1 pm. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers those who wish to remember Eleanor may make a donation in her memory to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or to Equinox, Inc., 95 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

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