Marcia Frederick

East Lyme - Marcia (Catton) Frederick, 87, of Niantic, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011, after a three-month illness.

Marcia was born in New London on July 5, 1923, the daughter of Ernest and Faith (Gadbois) Catton who resided on School St. She graduated from Williams Memorial Institute in 1941, she went on to the New London Business School, and then became a librarian at Chapman Technical High School. She was married at home to Donald H. Frederick on Oct. 18, 1945. They met while he was attending Merchant Marine Ensign School at Fort Trumbull the year before. A wonder of their marriage were their first three children, Donna, Richard, and Robert, all born on Oct. 10 in different years. This was a newsworthy item in the early days of television, particularly considering, Don was out to sea the vast majority of their early years together. Their fourth child, Melly, was conceived around her siblings' birth date.

The Frederick house on Main St. in the center of Niantic, was a gathering place for a generation of kids, for activities in the always tidy home or outdoors in the large backyard. While her husband traveled around the world on maritime ships, Marcia focused on maintaining a stable home front with her quiet independence, content to raise her children and be a homemaker. Sunday family dinners with her parents were a long time loving tradition. She worked regularly grooming her yard. Marcia was well known for having an annual yard sale on her front lawn every spring, for 35 successive years. The joy and openness in the house was ever present, through all the changes time brought to the family and neighborhood for the more than 60 years she lived there. Marcia in the last two years, relocated to a beautiful new house built especially for her, by her son Richard (Ditchie), at 52 Black Point Rd. Her warmth, quick wit, and positive spirit continued to attract many younger visitors.

After her children were grown, she worked for many years as a cashier at Mitchell's Market, where she made lasting friends. Marcia was naturally athletic, particularly good at roller skating and ping pong. She loved dancing, and remembered fondly the glamour of the Coast Guard Academy dances as a young lady. She enjoyed the nearby beaches with her children and friends. She regularly attended her WMI class reunions, was part of a ladies dinner club in her younger days, and in the last few years was the oldest member of a group of women called "DustBusters", meeting monthly for food and fellowship.

Marcia is survived by her two daughters, Donna Chapman and Mary Ellen Higham, both of Niantic; three granddaughters, Shannon Dubicki of Niantic, Mallory Higham of Groton, and Meagan Darris of New London; and 3 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Lexi, and Cash.

She was predeceased by her husband Donald, and two sons, Richard and Robert; as well as her older sister Mary Wainwright.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name, to a veteran's charity of the donors' choice.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the gentle care she received during her stay at Bride Brook Health & Rehabilitation Center. Thank you so much for taking care of our loved one. We also appreciate all those who gave love and support with their visits, calls, cards and prayers.

A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.

A private graveside service will be held by the family.

To sign the online register book please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com