Catherine Mary (Bakonyi) Trepod, formerly of Kalamazoo and Troy, MI, died at her home in Gales Ferry after a courageous battle with breast cancer at the age of 45.
She was the beloved wife of Scott; loving mother of Tyler; beautiful daughter of Anna (Kokosky) and the late Stephen M. Bakonyi of Rochester, MI; sister of Susan Bakonyi and Stephen John Bakonyi with his wife Kelly and nephews Nicholas and Kyle; and dearest niece of Dr. Mary Kokosky. Grieving Trepod family members include Scott's mother Lareen of Battle Creek, MI, sister Suzanne of Croswell and brother Gary Trepod of East Lansing.
After graduating in the Top Ten of her class from Athens High School in Troy, MI, in 1979 Cathy went on to the University of Michigan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology in 1983.
Marrying her college sweetheart that same year at St. Anastasia Church in Troy, MI, they then moved to San Diego, CA where Cathy worked for a start-up biotechnology company for 2 years. After re-locating to Kalamazoo, MI, she worked as a research microbiologist for the former Upjohn Company in both animal and human research for 17 years. Following a corporate buy-out, Cathy was transferred to Groton, CT where she worked in the Pfizer Company Antibacterial Biology department, discovering new antibiotics until her passing. Cathy is credited with publishing 6 research papers in scientific journals over the years and was just recently awarded a "Discovery Recognition Award for 2005" by the Pfizer Company. Dr. Alita Miller, Senior Principal Scientist in the antibacterial biology department at Pfizer Company and all of Cathy's co-workers in Groton and Kalamazoo will sense her spirit among them in her physical absence. While in Kalamazoo, Cathy was active in the Portage Public Schools for 5 years as a site based team member for the Portage Central Elementary School. She was instrumental in starting a boys middle school Lacrosse sports program for the Portage/Mattawan District and an active parent in both youth AYSO soccer and KOHA hockey leagues.
Living in Connecticut, Cathy was secretary for the Ledyard Women's Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing grants and scholarships to local citizens of the Ledyard community. Cathy was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She was an avid gardener and arts enthusiast. Her many interests included jewelry design, decorative painting, quilting, knitting, cooking and interior design.
Cathy’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic, CT on Friday from 6 to 8pm.
Visitation will also be held on Monday from 3 to 8pm at the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy MI. A Auneral Mass, presided by Fr. John Riccardo, will be held at St. Anastasia Church 4571 John Rd., Troy MI on Tuesday at 9:30am with visitation at church from 9 to 9:30am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers,
Cathy has asked that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Komen-Southwest Michigan Affiliate, PO Box 2031, Kalamazoo MI 49003.
To send a note of condolence/remembrance to her family, please click the link below.