Catherine M. "Kay" (Yelich) Fraicola Thompson

Catherine M. Thompson, 97, of Hutchinson, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Walden's View of North Huntingdon, with her family by her side. She was born July 27, 1922, in New Kensington and was a daughter of the late Marko and Mary (Tressa) Yelich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years, Michael Fraicola, and her second husband of 42 years, George F. "Red" Thompson; son, Michael Fraicola; her granddaughter, Debbie Fraicola; and four brothers, William Jelich and Nick, Stephen and Robert Yelich. Kay was a past member of St. Edward Church in Herminie. Kay's grandson, Michael, wrote this tribute to his gram with his best memories: "My incredible grandmother passed today. Scrappy and strong, she was a survivor. She was 97 years old and still read novel after novel all of the time. She would sit on her porch and read. She lived across from the post office in New Stanton and more recently across from the post office in Hutchinson. I can't tell you how many times friends would tell me that they thought she was gone, but she was only sleeping. LOL. I miss her turkey dinners and how she would save the neck for herself. She made the best salad dressing. Often imitated, never duplicated. She drove until just a handful of years ago. She was always barefoot. She hated shoes, which is ironic, since she worked at Cox's in Irwin and Naturalizer Shoes at Westmoreland Mall until she retired to work at the New Stanton Hotel for many, many more years. She was in her 80s when she finally decided to officially retire. The next few days will have tears, but the smiles will far outweigh the tears." She was a fabulous baker, and you would always leave her house with a delicious treat in hand. She saw the good in everyone she met. Kay is survived by her son, Bill (Luann) Fraicola, of North Huntingdon, and daughter, Carol (Jack) Aujay, of Hutchinson; special grandchildren, Brenda Fraicola, Michael Aujay, Chase Fraicola, Tara Fraicola, Tommy Fraicola, Nikki Baker and Marty and Raymond Fraicola; numerous great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia "Tisha" (Jack) Heller, of West Newton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and neighbors. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., 404 Sewickley Ave., Herminie, PA 15637, 724-446-7251. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in West Newton Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.nickelsfuneralhomeinc.com.

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