Catherine J. Harding, 98, of Waterville, passed away Monday May 2, 2011, in the presence of her family, at the Harding Nursing Home. She was born October 26, 1912, in Lyons, NY, the daughter of the late Alberto and Sarah Bond Hosford and was a graduate of Irondequoit High School in Rochester. On October 24, 1937, in Lyons, she married Robert M. Harding. A pioneer in long term care, Mrs Harding relocated to Waterville in 1951 with her husband Robert. Together with her mother, they founded the Harding Nursing Home. Mrs. Harding continued her education and received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from the Utica School of Nursing. She worked as an administrator and LPN at the Harding Nursing Home, now in it''s fourth generation of family ownership, until her retirement in her 80's. Mrs. Harding was a member of the United Methodist Church of Waterville, Bell Tower Chapter #188 O.E.S., the Republican Women's Club of Utica, Daughters of the Nile, Waterville Historical Society and the Red Hat Society of Oriskany Falls. Catherine enjoyed life to the fullest, caring for and supporting her community, work(her hobby), playing bridge, golfing, spending summers at her camp in Richfield Springs and wintering in Arizona. She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Ralls and her significant other, Ed Anderson of Gilbert, AZ; her son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Louise (Sandy) Harding of Waterville; and five grandchildren, Patricia Ford (Mike), James Harding (Lisa), Judy Harding-Staelens (Bill), David Ralls (Deborah) and Catherine Ralls. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and several nieces and nephews, including Patricia Hosford, now of Conway, SC. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert M. Harding: an infant sister, Leah Hosford; and a brother and sister-in-law, Al and Marion Hosford. The funeral will be Friday at 10 am at the United Methodist Church of Waterville, with Rev. Dr. Moon Ho Kim officiating. Interment will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Kirkland. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-8 pm at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville. Members of the Eastern Star will meet at the funeral home Thursday evening at 6:30 for services. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Harding Nursing Home for all their wonderful care and compassion.