Standardbred owner Catherine F. Burton, age 88, of Van Epps Street passed away Wednesday morning Jan. 16 in the Oneida Healthcare Center in New York.

She was born on May 2, 1924 in Vernon, New York, the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen (Heinig) Burton. Catherine graduated Valedictorian of her class at Vernon High School and later graduated from Cornell University.

Prior to retirement, Catherine was employed with a manufacturer of sandpaper and abrasive materials in Troy, New York.

She enjoyed golfing and bowling. Catherine, along with her family, was at one time involved with the Burton Livestock Company of Vernon. She was a longtime member of the United States Trotting Association, CNY Harness Horse Association and Saratoga Harness Horse Association. Catherine was a proud owner of harness horses and enjoyed watching her horses race and visiting them in the stable area at Vernon Downs.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Sondra Allen of Clinton, Connecticut, Cinda Petersen of Tivoli, New York, Thomas Sparling of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Patrick Sparling of Palm City, Florida.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front St., Vernon. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Vernon. Private burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vernon, New York.

(With files from The Oneida Daily Dispatch)