Catherine M. Young

WHITMAN Catherine M. (Gray) Young, the beloved wife of the late John R. Young, died peacefully and unexpectedly, at her home, Dec. 3. Kay, as she was known by family and friends, had just celebrated her 87th birthday at Thanksgiving, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was passionate about her family and took great delight in their interests. Kay was the longtime school lunch director at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. Even after her retirement, she kept in touch with the girls from the cafeteria. Kay was also a devoted volunteer at South Shore Hospital and had many treasured friends there. Kay enjoyed gardening and cooking with her late husband John. They worked side by side cooking and baking respec- tively at school banquets and for 4-H campers. Kay possessed a simple passion for life. Her extraordinary strength to face adversity and heartbreak with grace and dignity had kept her family strong. She will be greatly missed. Kay is survived by her children, John R. Young of Litchfield, Conn.; Kate Hannon of Marshfield, Susan Stokinger of Whitman, Elizabeth Young of Fairfield, Conn., and Marston Mills and Eileen Miller of Whitman. She also leaves behind two sisters, Eileen Perkins of Wakefield, R.I., and Marion Perkins of Hingham; as well as 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Her services will be held Monday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman. Burial will follow at 12:45 p.m., in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made for a scholarship in the memory of Catherine M. Young, c/o Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, 600 Franklin St., Whitman, MA 02382, attn: Sharon Andrew. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com.