Lebra "Bella" Caterina

Lebra 'Bella' (Bagnoli) Caterina of Niagara Falls, NY died on Sunday, August 10, 2008 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Olindo A. and Maria F. (Tatti) Bagnoli, Sr.

Bella was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. On May 29, 1946, she married Sabino T. 'Sam' Caterina in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. He predeceased her on September 6, 1984. During World War II, Bella worked at the former Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls. She later worked at the former Ambassador Leather Goods located on Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls, and retired as a clerk for the Niagara County Department of Social Services. Bella was a voracious reader. Although she was a devout Catholic, she had a keen interest in Buddhism. Above all, Bella's greatest devotion was for her children and family.

Mrs. Caterina is survived by her three children: Monica Caterina, Elizabeth 'Libby' Caterina, both of Niagara Falls, NY and Susan Hodnik of Juneau, Alaska; two grandchildren: Joshua Marc (Regina) Rioux and Jonah Marc (Camille) Rioux; four great-grandchildren: Jonna Jo Camille Rioux, Josiah James Rioux, April Valentine and Olivia Stankovich; one sister, Emma (late Patrick) Toole of Lewisburg, PA; one brother, Olindo (late Ann) Bagnoli, Jr. of Niagara Falls, NY; her brother-in-law, Louis Caterina of Niagara Falls, NY and sister-in-law Elizabeth Privateera of Cheektowaga, NY, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by seven sisters and one brother: Carmella 'Nellie' Nalbone, Deolindo DiVito, Olympia 'Olga' DiVito, Anna (late Daniel) Neri, Jessie (late Anthony) Leoy, Mary (late Paul) Lops, Angeline (late Dominic) DiFranco and Rose (late John) Agnello.

Friends may call on Tuesday, August 12th from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. William Allegretto, C.M. officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are graciously declined. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.

Guest registry available at www.legacy.com/niagara-gazette.