Kathryn (Cathy) Gardner LaRue (Morgano), 76, of West Seneca, NY former longtime resident of Alden, NY passed away on October 5, 2019 at Hospice Buffalo from a long illness.

Cathy was born in Buffalo, NY to Sam and Concetta Morgano (Valone) on August 26, 1943. She attended high school at North Collins High School and graduated in 1961. Cathy loved school and often referred to fond memories of cheerleading, school trips, and being a member of the National Honor Society.

Cathy attended Buffalo State College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics Education in 1965. After a memorable trip to Europe, she went on to receive her Master's Degree at Buffalo State. In 1968, she married Rawle Gardner and they moved to Alden to raise their daughter.

Cathy began her career as a home economics teacher first at Alden Middle School and later at Alden High School from 1965 to 1975. Cathy worked for many years as an Executive Assistant to Ralph Mohr, Erie County Legislator. She volunteered for many political campaigns supporting local Republican Party candidates. After that she worked for many years at the Erie County Board of Elections in Buffalo, where she advanced to Registration Supervisor and retired in 2002.

Cathy loved to travel, play golf, and to attend the latest concerts, plays, and movies. She was a devoted grandmother and frequently visited her daughter and two grandchildren near Washington, DC. She was most known for her love of family, her thoughtfulness, humor, and her kind and giving heart.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Concetta Morgano and her husband, Rawle Gardner. She is survived by her brother Doug (Carolyn) Morgano of Orchard Park; her daughter Tricia Hindermann (Gardner) of Arlington, VA, grandson Ellis Gardner and granddaughter Mia Kathryn of Arlington, VA, and many nieces and nephews.

No prior visitation.  A mass in honor of Cathy, will be held at 10 AM on Friday, October 18, 2019 at St. John's the Baptist Church, 2021 Sandridge Road, Alden, NY.  Arrangements by the Charles Meyer Funeral Home.  Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Tennyson Court Assisted Living, Comfort Keepers, Hospice Buffalo, and to Cathy's lifelong friend Beverly Brown, who went above and beyond in her love, caring, and support.