Katherine A. Flattery, former Clerk of the Onondaga County Legislature, passed away on April 24, 2017 at 103 years old. Born April 13, 1914 to Theodore and Ruth Federer, Katherine graduated from Syracuse University Phi Beta Kappa in 1936. She was a member of Alpha Phi and remained active in the sorority for many years. Following graduation she worked for the University as Assistant to the Dean of Women of the University.
In 1940, she married Alan J. Flattery, a prominent Syracuse attorney, who at the time of his death in 1962, was the Majority Leader of the Onondaga County Legislature. Katherine was appointed to fulfill the balance of his term as the representative from District 10, which included the Town of Fabius, where she and Alan resided for many years. She was then elected Legislative Representative for another 3 terms before becoming Deputy Clerk and eventually Clerk of the Legislature until her retirement in 1979.
She was also active in Girl Scouting, loved to maintain her beautiful flower gardens, played bridge with good friends, completed the daily crossword puzzle in ink, and knitted for several charities in the greater Syracuse area.
She is survived by her daughter, Ruth (David) Bruce of Jamesville; son John (Sandra) Flattery of Sun Valley, Idaho; 4 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
A private committal service celebrating Katherine’s life will be held at Fabius Evergreen Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Fabius Evergreen Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice.