Buffalo, NY - Catherine Galvin James, passed away peacefully after a long illness at the Hospice Center in Buffalo, NY on January 31, 2024. She was 65 years old.

Although Born in Forest Park, Illinois, on November 29, 1958, her family moved to Saratoga Springs when she was 4 years old, and she considered herself a lifelong Saratogian.

She graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1978. While not attending school she could often be seen riding her horse, Irish Mick, through the old neighborhood, while there was still plenty of open space to do so. She was also an avid reader, loved music and later in life became interested in politics and worldwide events, about which she was not afraid to share her opinion. Much to the surprise of her family and friends, upon graduation from high school she volunteered for and enlisted in the US Army. After basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey she spent most of her years of enlistment in Frankfurt, Germany. Further shocking us back at home while in Germany Catherine qualified as a Sharpshooter with an M-15 rifle and was very proud of that designation. She was honorably discharged from the service in 1981. She always looked back proudly on her time in the Army and spoke fondly of the friends she met in Germany. She was proud to be a veteran like her Dad.

Upon discharge from the Army, Cathy moved back home and worked at both Skidmore College and Saratoga Hospital as she took training classes offered to her due to her veteran status. A few years later she moved to Summerville, South Carolina with her then husband and she always said her life truly began there with the birth of her two children, Melissa and Ryan, who from that point forward became the focal point and driving force in her life. In 1997, Cathy brought the kids back to Saratoga Springs to raise them and they all resided in Saratoga Springs until both Melissa and Ryan graduated from college and settled their lives in Buffalo and Delmar.

Cathy decided in October of 2023 to move to Buffalo to be closer to her daughter and her grandsons, Sean, and Cameron Waller. She was so excited to become an everyday part of their lives and take up the role of "Gammy," her favorite moniker to date. May Gammy rest in peace.

Catherine is pre-deceased by her Father, Neal N. Galvin, with whom she shared a truly special relationship.

She is survived by her Daughter, Melissa (Chaz) James and their two sons, Sean and Cameron, of Buffalo, NY; and her son, Ryan (Emily) James of Delmar, NY.; her Mother, Sandra Galvin of Saratoga Springs; her sisters, Cindy (David) Aloisi of Stillwater and Kimberly Galvin Janelle (Brian) of Saratoga Springs; and her two brothers, Neal R. Galvin (Stacie) and Mark Galvin, both of Saratoga Springs. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was loved and will be missed by many.

At the request of the family, the services and burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.