Catherine Loraine Doganiero's Obituary
Catherine “Catsie,” “Kay” Loraine Church Burnett Doganiero, 92 of Clearwater, Florida passed away at Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor on Monday, August 31, 2015 with her family at her side.
Catsie was born on March 18, 1923 in Brooklyn, New York to the late William and Mary Church. One of six children raised during the Great Depression, sacrifice and going without were second nature to her. She married James “Spike” Burnett at age 19 and together they had one son, Jimmy. A submariner in the U.S. Navy, Spike was killed during World War II on the U.S.S. Dorado. Catsie struggled to raise Jimmy and take care of her aging parents. She worked at many jobs, excelling at all. Her most treasured role was that of a homemaker, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
At age 33, she married the late Philip Doganiero, having two more sons and a daughter. Widowed again at age 47, she moved to Clearwater to be near her sister. She raised her children on her own through sheer determination, resilience and ingenuity.
Catsie was adamant that we not mourn her death, but celebrate her life. It was hard, the losses profound and the struggles were many, but she persevered like few women could in the face of such adversity. She was simply an extraordinary woman: strong-willed, smart, resilient, funny, sarcastic, stubborn, determined and loving. As the Matriarch of our extended family, she has meant so much to so many. Devoted to her children and family, she derived the most pleasure from being with them, sharing birthdays and holidays and watching the grandchildren grow. She was a beacon of generosity, goodness and love to all who knew her.
She is survived by her son Frank, (fiance’ Lea), grandsons T.J. and Chase, daughter Lori Doganiero Palmieri (Jim) and granddaughters Gianna and Marisa, daughter-in-law Dawn Doganiero, grandson Blake (Stephanie) and great grandson, Bronx and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband James “Spike” Burnett, son Jim Burnett, husband and son, both Philip Doganiero.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in her name to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida. The family will speak at 6 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?