Cathy L. Swift

Cathy Lou Swift

HORNELL – Cathy Lou Swift, age 80, of Big Creek Road, Hornell (Town of Fremont), died peacefully at home early Wednesday morning (Nov. 26, 2025) after a long illness.

She was born in Hornell on Aug. 25, 1945 to Ralph and Alberta Harris.  Cathy worked in Hornell until her retirement in 2010.  She will be best remembered as the smiling face in the Produce Department of the former Hornell Food Barn, and later-Cy’s Shurfine in Arkport, NY

Cathy was a very talented artist and woodworker.  Many people still have her painted saws and slates.  She loved horses and the ocean, traveling to the Outer Banks many times.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Billye, and daughter, Beth.

Cathy is survived by her devoted and loving partner of 43 years, Doug O’Dell; also, daughters, Lynn (Joe) D’Agostino of Hornell, Michelle Harris of Cortland, NY and step-daughter Anne Marie (Luke) West of Tennessee.  She is also survived by one nephew, James (Kathy) Moore of Hornell. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Cathy’s caregiver, Valerie M. for her kindness and dedication over the past 15 months.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will be held at a later date.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Cathy’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Cathy are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.