Catherine Richey, who worked as a secretary for Honolulu newspaper executives for seven decades, died April 7 at Straub Hospital at age 89.

Richey, a graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, began her 53-year career at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin on Feb. 3, 1939. She also worked for Gannett Pacific Corp. and the Hawaii Newspaper Agency.

She was executive secretary for the late Phil Gialanella when he was president of the Hawaii Newspaper Agency and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.

"She was a true professional secretary and mentor to many," longtime friend Jackie Aweau said. "She was a real old-school secretary — nobody got by her."

There will be a private scattering of ashes at sea. Donations in her memory may be made to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Richey has no known survivors.