Catherine Louise "Kay" Fracassi, 79, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Tuesday February 14, 2012 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Vivian (Trimaldi) Basta.

Kay was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and attended local schools. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1950. She received her Bachelor's in Education from University of Buffalo in 1954 and later her Master's in Education from Niagara University. She married Albert D. "Sonny" Fracassi on January 21, 1956 in St. Joseph's Church, Niagara Falls, NY.

Kay was employed as an executive secretary at Bell Aerospace in Niagara Falls for six years and later as a business education teacher at Madonna High School, Bishop Duffy High School and Niagara Catholic High School and later retired in 1992. She was honored as the recipient Bishop Edward D. Head outstanding teacher award by the Diocese of Buffalo for her accomplishments in 1976. Kay enjoyed traveling as well as flower gardening.

Along with her husband of 56 years, Catherine is survived by her son, Michael A. Fracassi, Esq (Frida Zolfaghari) of Washington, DC; brother, Alex (Rosemary) Basta of Lewiston, NY; brother in law, Sam Crisante (Carole Orsolits) of Niagara Falls, NY; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Kay was predeceased by her two brothers, Robert Basta and Larry (Theresa of Mission Viejo, CA) Basta. She was predeceased by brothers in law and sisters in law, Sandra F. Crisante, John (late Julia) Fracassi, and Angelo (late Fifi) Fracassi.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday February 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to American Cancer Society, 101 John J, Audubon Parkway Amherst, NY 14228 or Niagara Catholic High School, 520 66th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14304.