Catherine Murphy Scannell

In Loving Memory
Catherine Murphy Scannell
January 28, 1928 - February 12, 2022
Catherine (Kay) Scannell passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, February 12 at the Watsonville Acute Care facility. She turned 94 years old on January 28th. Although she could not escape aging her blue eyes were clear and bright right to the end.
Kay was born on a farm near the village of Rockchapel, County Cork, Ireland. She immigrated to the US and found work in an envelope factory in Worcester, MA. She soon married Liam Gerald Scannell, also born in Ireland. Kay had (4) sons, William, Daniel, Kevin and Michael. She had (5) grandsons and then finally (1) granddaughter.
Her husband Liam passed away many years ago. She is survived by all her sons and grandchildren. Her sisters Nora, Mary Pat and Peg are in the Dominican Order in Tacoma Washington. Her brother Martin is still with the family farm in Cork and a sister Betty resides in the UK.
Kay lived in Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, and Richmond, Virginia. Later in life, she lived in Pacific Grove, California close to the family of her youngest son, Dr. Michael Scannell. She was very happy to be nearby (2) grandchildren, Liam and Megan. After (9) sons and grandsons it was clear that a granddaughter brought her great joy. She was an extraordinary mother and grandmother.
Gardening was a passion all through her life. Her interest in plants was extensive. She created award-winning gardens in Chicago, Richmond, and Pacific Grove. She earned a Certificate in Horticulture from the University of Virginia. Years back she was a collector of African Violets.
Kay was a doer, a craftsperson and artist. An expert quilter and seamstress. She knew how to bring together a great dinner party with fantastic food. She loved music of all types and was by nature a very social Irish woman.
A life that began in 1928 and ended in 2022. She lived in two cultures and was witness to turmoil and peace over 94 years of living. It was by no means a life without difficulty. She did not return to visit Ireland for over (40) years. Catherine remained stoic, optimistic, and a great soul. Inexplicably smiling all the way to the end. She touched many lives with her loving and caring ways.