Katherine D. Purtill

Katherine D. (Donovan) Purtill, 74, beloved wife of Judge Joseph J. Purtill, of West Broad Street, Pawcatuck, passed away from this life on Nov. 6, 2008, at home with her loving family.
Katherine was born in Norwich, Conn., daughter of the late John J. Donovan and Katherine (Bowen) Donovan.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Joseph J. Purtill and his wife Susan and grandson Ryan of Waterford, Conn.; daughter, Jane Purtill and her husband Mark Furst of Mansfield, Mass.; daughter, Mary Anne Purtill and her husband Stephen Knipstein and granddaughter Beth of Plymouth, N.H.; and son, John D. Purtill of Pawcatuck; her brother, John B. Donovan and his wife Anne Donovan of Oakdale, Conn.; as well as cousins, nephews and a niece.
She will be sadly missed by her close friend, Kathy Santacroce and her daughters, Abby S. Beauparlant, Kristine Santacroce and Caitlin Santacroce, whom Katherine viewed as her adopted grandchildren.
Katherine was a proud graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Class of 1951, and the Katherine Gibbs School in Providence. She was a secretary to the Chief Surgeon at Uncas on Thames Hospital for a number of years.
Katherine was married to her devoted husband on Sept. 27, 1958, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick where she was a parishioner and a member of the choir. Katherine and Joe renewed their vows in the cathedral on Oct. 12, 2008, celebrating 50 years of marriage.
After her marriage, Katherine moved to Pawcatuck where she became a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Church. Katherine was devoted to her faith and took great solace in it especially during her illness.
Katherine seldom watched television. She was an avid reader of murder mysteries, often criticizing the author if she was able to discover who did it before the end of the book.
She enjoyed the monthly luncheons with the Retired Officers Wives Club and the companionship of the members. Katherine was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed attending games at Fenway Park.
Fall was Katherine's favorite time of year. She enjoyed her annual trip to the Cape.
Katherine and her husband were longtime supporters and season ticket holders of UConn football. Together they enjoyed many bright autumn afternoons at the games.
Katherine's greatest loves were her children, her family and her many friends.
The family is particularly grateful to Katherine's cousin Mary Sabra and the other relatives, friends and neighbors who supported her during her illness.
Calling hours will be held Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy, which will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. There is no procession from the funeral home to the church. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Katherine's memory to Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, 27 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or to St. Michael School, 63 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.