Catherine Mary Annese, age 70, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Cathi began her lifelong dedication to working with children and nature at the Brooklyn

Botanical Garden in 1984, where she served as manager of the Children’s Garden. She

was at the helm of many programs and mentored countless children, leaving a lasting

impact on generations of young people.

Cathi shared many happy years with her beloved spouse, Sandy Muller, who

predeceased her. Together, they built a life in Cairo on their cherished farm, Flora and

Fauna, where they raised horses, goats, turkeys, and ducks, reflecting Cathi’s deep love

of animals.

She was devoted to her work with the Flora and Fauna 4-H Club and was actively

involved with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Cathi was a dedicated mentor to many

children, guiding and supporting them from youth into adulthood. She was deeply loved

and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The Flora and Fauna 4-H

Club will continue on in her legacy.

Cathi also worked for many years at Karen’s Flower Shoppe in Cairo, a place she

lovingly called her “happy place.”

Cathi was a cherished member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension family and a

steadfast advocate for youth and community. She served with distinction through several

terms on the Board of Directors, including as Board President from 2017 to 2019.

Above all, Cathi’s heart belonged to 4‑H. For 28 years, she devoted herself as a leader

of the Flora & Fauna 4‑H Club, guiding generations of young people with patience,

encouragement, and enthusiasm. Each year, she and her spouse Sandy Muller, could

be found at the Greene County Youth Fair, proudly cheering on their club members

through the animal shows and celebrating their achievements.

Cathi also chaperoned countless youth trips to Cornell University, most notably 4‑H

Career Explorations, where she helped open doors to new interests, opportunities, and

future career pathways. Through her unwavering dedication, Cathi made a lasting

difference in the lives of many and strengthened the fabric of her community.

She found great joy in caring for her animals, mentoring children, and spending time with

family and friends. Her faithful puppy, Brucie, was a constant source of companionship

and love.

Cathi will be deeply missed by her family, her 4-H community, and the many friends

whose lives she touched. Her kindness, strength, and generous spirit will be

remembered always.

She is survived by her loving sister, Vera; her brother-in-law, Charles; and her cherished

nieces and nephews: Chuck Santarelli and his wife Tina, Jeannine Santarelli and her

husband Dan Hanwacker, Nicholas Santarelli and his wife Marybeth, along with six

beloved great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many dear friends and the

countless 4-H children whose lives she touched. Cathi was also deeply loved by the

Muller family, especially Patricia and Eric Muller, and her nephews Christian and Philip

Muller.

In lieu of flowers, Cathi’s family kindly requests that donations be made to Cornell

Cooperative Extension Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405

in support of the 4‑H Youth Development Program, continuing the work that meant so

much to her.

Care has been entrusted to AJ Cunningham Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at

www.ajcunninghamfh.com.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 186 Main

Street, Cairo, NY 12413. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the service to

follow from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served immediately

following the service.