After a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Catherine (Cathy) passed away peacefully at
home on November 19, 2022, surrounded by her loving family and dedicated caregivers. She
was 86.
She was the oldest of four children, born to Lt. Col. Henry Clisson and Virginia Massett. They
lived in Syracuse and various parts of the United States as well as Nuremberg, Germany. Cathy
shared many interesting memories of her time in Germany right after WWII where her father
was stationed as a commander of the German POW camp. She graduated from Assumption High
School, and did clerical work until she married her husband, Richard Edward Dausman, on
January 15, 1955.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Margaret Robinson, and her son-in-law, Michael
Schlosser.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dick, her five children: Robert of Florida, Richard (Amy)
of Skaneateles, Virginia Fuller of Syracuse, Mary Schlosser of Allegany, and Gloria (Andy)
Cummings of Fayetteville; her 8 grandchildren, Eric Dausman, Kyle Dausman, Alyssa Dausman
Benway, Taryn Dausman, Robert Born II, Ryan Schlosser, Caitlin Cummings, Andrew
Cummings, a great granddaughter, Morgan Dausman, and her sisters, Marilyn Leak and V.
Christine Norton of Syracuse.
Cathy and Dick raised their family in Eastwood, Syracuse. Summers were spent at their beautiful
family camp, called “the farm”, on Payne Lake near Oxbow, NY. After her children were grown,
Cathy worked at JC Penney, babysat children in her home, and then was a secretary at Syracuse
University’s School of Management until her retirement. She enjoyed all of her work, but her
passion and big heart shined through whenever she could spend time with children big and small.
Cathy and Dick later moved to a house they built in Lafayette, NY. where they lived until 2020.
Cathy was a devout Catholic and member of St Joseph's church in Lafayette where she was a
Eucharistic minister, gift bearer, and actively involved in the outreach program. She was a
dedicated member of the pie making team for the annual Lafayette Apple Festival Fundraiser.
Cathy loved to garden and was a member of the Southern Hills Garden Club. She was an avid
reader and also enjoyed crossword puzzles. Most of all, Cathy enjoyed hosting gatherings with
family and friends.
Cathy (Mima to her grandchildren) was deeply loved by all who knew her. She will be
remembered for her big heart, compassion, strong will, and wit. All of these characteristics
continued, even through her journey with Alzheimers. The family would like to thank PACE
CNY, the Alzheimer’s Association, and her very loving private aids for their indispensable
support and care.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, November 26th at All Saints Church on Lancaster Avenue,
Syracuse 10:30 to 12:30pm with mass of the resurrection immediately following. A reception
will follow at the Church Center.
The burial will be at a later time at Lafayette Cemetery
The mass at 1pm will be livestreamed at www.allsaintssyracuse.org.
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