Catherine Ann Szlavy

Catherine Ann (Kitty/Cathy) Finnerty Szlavy, 85, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Cathy lived a life defined by grace, faith, and quiet elegance.

Born on October 9, 1940, in the village of Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland, Cathy was a proud Galway girl and one of nine siblings born to Bridget Delia (née Kelly) and James Finnerty. Her childhood was filled with simple joys and growing up in the warmth of family and community. Those early years in Ireland shaped the elegance, humor, and deep faith that remained with her throughout her life.

In the 1950s, Cathy bravely immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City to begin a new chapter. She built a successful career in the banking industry, retiring from Citibank in 1997. It was in New York that she met the love of her life, Jozsef (Joe) Szlavy, with whom she raised their cherished children, Tibor Joseph Szlavy and Stephanie Szlavy Walters.

Later settling in Oklahoma, Cathy embraced her retirement years, especially the time spent with her adored grandchildren-Evan Szlavy, Sloane Walters, Olivia Walters, and Chloe Szlavy-who were the light of her life. She delighted in attending their sporting events and activities, sharing lunches and shopping, and countless treasured moments. Her pride in them was boundless, and her love unwavering.

Cathy was elegance personified. She carried herself with dignity and warmth, admired and deeply loved by many. Grounded in her faith, she offered steady support to family and friends alike. She possessed a sense of humor that was often subtle and perfectly timed.

She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; her sisters, Bridget Finnerty and Carmel Finnerty Prince; and her brother, Matthew Finnerty. She is survived by her loving children, Tibor Szlavy and his wife Alaina of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Stephanie Walters and her husband Chris of Bixby, Oklahoma; her adored grandchildren; her siblings, Mary Finnerty Cummins, Patrick Finnerty, Margaret Finnerty Guyett, Josephine McNulty, and Francis (Frank) Finnerty; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Cathy was truly adored by her family. To borrow a line from one of her favorite songs, "The Black Velvet Band," her family always believed "she was queen of the land," and indeed, that her "eyes shone like diamonds." Her legacy of love, faith, and elegance will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

May she rest in eternal peace. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Immediately following the Mass, the Rite of Committal and Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Tulsa.

Flowers are welcome, or if you prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Clarehouse or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in honor of Catherine.