Catherine "Taffy" McGuigan
Catherine "Taffy" McGuigan
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Catherine McGuigan Obituary
Daughter of Joseph and Irma Randall Shaw, Taffy was born at home in Concord. She grew up on Endquest Street, Concord Heights and graduated from Concord High. She went on to Plymouth Teachers College graduating in 1955 with a degree in elementary education.
Her first teaching job was in Warner, where she taught for two years before accepting a position for the Inter-Lakes School District. Starting at the Lang Street School and continuing for more than 30 years as a primary grade teacher, she enjoyed teaching in the readiness, and special education areas. Her love for teaching continued after her retirement, as a she continued to substitute for many years.
Taffy was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, a founder's award recipient, and past state president. She was a charter member of the local Theta Chapter also serving as past president. Through this society she enjoyed volunteering with other members at the Belknap County Nursing Home.
Taffy was a longtime active member of the Lakes Region and the New Hampshire Retired Educators Association. She served as past president for the local group as well as past vice president and president for the state organization. She was involved with the legislative committee of the state organization and attended many meetings and hearing on issues pertaining to retired educators.
She was also an active member and past secretary of the Lakes Region Camera Club. She was member of the Meredith Historical Society.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Lynn Ellen, who died in May 2004.
She leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Norman C. McGuigan; two sons, Michael J. McGuigan, and Norman T. McGuigan and wife Susan, all of Meredith; two grandchildren, Shelby Randall and Austin Brennan McGuigan; her brother, Randall J. Shaw and his wife Judy of Pembroke; and many nieces and nephews and their families who had a very important part in her life.
At her request there will be no calling hours. A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday Dec. 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the Oakland Cemetery, Meredith Center, Meredith, with a celebration of her life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Inter-Lakes Elementary School Health and Needy Fund, 21 Laker Lane, Meredith NH, or the Wamesit Engine Companies, DW Highway, Meredith, NH 03253.
The Mayhew Funeral Homes, in Meredith and Plymouth, are in charge of the arrangements
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Parkman Anderson
January 21, 2011
I was so sad to hear this news. I will always remember her as a caring, inspirational teacher and wonderful woman. As I think back to the teacher that had the biggest influence on my life, she certainly tops the list. I am so sorry for your loss.
December 31, 2010
Dearest Norman, Michael and Norman,Jr-
I was very sad to learn of the passing of your precious wife and mother. When someone you love dies, it leaves an empty spot in your hearts which could never be filled by any other person. What a wonderous gift we have from god in memories. When you close your eyes, you can see and remember Taffy just as she was when she was happy and healthy. Soon, in a new world of god's making, all pain, suffering and sickness will be gone forever. Until then, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Jensen
Leanne Brunelle
December 31, 2010
I first knew Taffy as "Shelbys grandmother." She always had a smile, and always had time to answer endless questions from her students. My kids LOVED it when they would walk in class and see they had her for a substitute. May you rest in peace, and your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew you..
December 31, 2010
what can i say about mrs McGuigan??... well she was an amazing teacher. for those who knew me through out school, it was very rare that i liked a teacher. but mrs mcguigan was different. i remember when she would substitute for my first grade class, and she was teaching me how to hold a pencil. and i remember asking her why she had a bump on her finger...and her response to me was it was her "wisdom bump" that people get it when they got old and wise. i remember her as being such a kind a sincere person, which is very hard to find now a days. my heart goes out to her family and friends.
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beth clapper
December 31, 2010
i will never forget mrs.McGuigan!!!! she was one graet teacher. she taught me very well on everything. she helped me through alot of things. i will always remember her!!! my prayers go out to her family and friend!!!!!
December 30, 2010
say hello to Lynnie
Heather Washburn (Dale)
December 30, 2010
I'll Never forget Mrs. McGuigan. She taight me how to blow bubblegum,Add,Read,Write Everything. Such a great teacher and so influental. Definetley one of my favorites.My condolances to her family and those who knew her.
Abbie Morris
December 30, 2010
My heart is full of sadness... Mrs. McGuigan was there for my family when my father passed away. I had her as a readiness teacher at Lang St. School. My thoughts and prayers go out her family
Gina Knott
December 30, 2010
I remember Mrs. McGuigan from Lang street school. I started school there and remember her fondly. She was a very kind and loving person. She will be greatly missed!!! My prayers go out to her family and loved ones.
Brenda Thibeault
December 30, 2010
Taffy's husband and my dad were co-workers many years ago.She and her family attended my wedding. I loved listening to her student stories about Rediness and 1st grade and was always excited whenever I was able to work in her classroom. Her deep, profound love of children is embedded forever in so many. We will miss you dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Kelly Meier
December 29, 2010
Oh Taffy ... there are no words. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. I pray for your family as they grieve but I also thank God for bringing you home to be with your Lynn. May you rest peacefully now. With much love and admiration ... Kelly
Jeanette Valliere
December 29, 2010
My condolences to Mrs. McGuigan family and friends. I first met her as my 3rd grade teacher and came to know her well through her daughter, Lynn, as she cheered us on in sports and life. I think she touched the life of everyone in Meredith in a positive way and will be greatly missed. She is now with Lynn again, and I know they're both watching over us.
Hannah Swain
December 29, 2010
Mrs. McGuigan was my first grade teacher at Lang Street. She was the one who taught me to love reading. My condolences to the family and friends: she will be missed.
Cathy Haskell
December 28, 2010
I was very suprised and saddened to learn of Mrs. McGuigan's passing. She was my 3rd grade teacher many, many years ago at ILES. I would definitely say she was my favorite teacher ever. My sympathy and prayers to the McGuigan family.
Kristan (Johnson Doneski) Julius
December 28, 2010
Taffy was an inspiration to me when I first started out in teaching at Inter-Lakes Elementary 34+ years ago. Her infinite patience and her compassionate respect and advocacy for her students had a huge impact on me and many many others. She will be remembered.
Carolyn Chevalier
December 28, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs. McGuigan.I first met Mrs. McGuigan when I student taught in her classroom @ Lang St...What an inspiration she was! She made a lasting impression on all that she came in contact with. I will truly miss her but know her passion for teaching lives on in every one that she came in contact with.
Heidi Tucker
December 28, 2010
I have been deeply honored by knowing both Mrs McGuigan and her daughter, Lynn. Growing up in Meredith, there aren't too many people that didn't know "Taffy" and what a wonderful person she was. She took many of us "children" in as one of her own and I will surely miss the inspirational talks that we have had. May I offer my sincere sympathy to all of her family. May you find a little comfort knowing she will be with Lynn. Rest in Peace.
Paul Plimpton
December 28, 2010
My sincere condolences to you all. Taffy was a wonderful person, she just gave and gave of herself to all. Her efforts during my mothers illness were timeless and greatly appreciated and showed just a small portion of the type of person she was. Thanks Taffy RIP
Sandy Bedford
December 28, 2010
As one of Lynn's (Spinny) friends I have known Taffy for over 20 years. When Lynn was sick we all got to know Taffy better when we would stop by to visit Lynn. She was always so gracious to all of Lynn's friends and helped us through our sorrow. She even put up with our terrible Christmas caroling!!
Even though she knew we couldn't sing she let us honor Lynn at her memorial with "Amazing Grace" and it was truly a moment that touched all our lives.
Taffy was a wonderful woman and we are truly blessed she became our friend as well. She will be missed. She is with Lynn now and I'm sure they are enjoying each other's company and the peace that comes with being with the Lord. On behalf of Lynn's softball friends we extend our condolences to the McGuigan family and all who feel her loss.
Amy MacDonald
December 28, 2010
Mrs.McGuigan was a wonderful teacher & will be truley missed by myself and all of the students at inter lakes high school, you have touched our lives and im so thankful to have met such a wonderful and caring person, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family..rest in peace mrs.McGuigan
December 28, 2010
I met her at Oakland Cemetary a few years ago...she stood proud at her daughters resting place with the beautiful birdhouse. My son is burried next to her daughter. Despite the years between us we stood there for nearly an hour talking about our loss as mothers. How blessed we were to have had such amazing children and for the 1st time since my loss I was able to tell her and mean it that it was going to be ok someday... just a different kind of ok. I will never forget the hug she gave me and I her- it lasted so long- I think we both knew that we were not alone, she smiled and thanked me... and yet it was I who felt so grateful for our meeting. I have never forgotten that day so long ago and hope that my special friend is at peace. Thank you and I will always remember the day felt less alone because of eachother. KC
Cyndy Lesperance
December 28, 2010
Taffy was truly a caring, warm, funny, understanding, loving, smart woman. Her ability to touch lives means so much to so many. It was a pleasure to work with her! My condolences to the McGuigan family.
Kay Marini
December 28, 2010
Taffy was an amazing, kind person. She was a wonderful friend. I will miss her! My thoughts are of her family now.
Diane McGee
December 28, 2010
I met Taffy through the State Retired Teachers. What a spit fire she was!! This is a terrible loss for the children of the State of NH as well as for her family and friends. Please accept my condolences and know she was loved by a lot of people!!
Carol Reale
December 28, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the McGuigan Family, our daughter had her in 1st grade and she was by far one of the best Teachers she ever had. she will be missed by many.........The Reale Family
Beth
December 28, 2010
Taffy was an amazing woman and teacher. She took me in as her student teacher the year she was retiring. Her spirit and devotion to her students inspired me to be the teacher I am today. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
December 27, 2010
i miss you
Joyce Carlson Turco
December 27, 2010
Sorry to hear of Catherine's passing. Ironically, the last time I saw her was last May in Kittery Point, ME at our family cemetery. We had a nice conversaion and realized we were cousins and were visiting our past relatives, the Randall family. Her concern at that time was trying to find someone who would continue that tradition, she apparently drove there every year all the way from Meredith. She was a very thoughtful person with a kind heart. Her cousin
Rogers/Boeckler Familly
December 27, 2010
Mrs. McGuigan was such a sweet lady, who left a lasting impression on everyone she came in contact with. I feel so fortunate to have known her. Rest in peace Taffy. You will be missed so much.
December 27, 2010
Not sure how to start.... Taff was a wonderful customer of mine, I did her hair... I am going to miss the visits of Taff with Gerry.......... I have to say... I have a wonderful picture of Taff.... the way she looked.... I am not used to seeing a younger picture of her.... I will always remember when I took one of her and Gerry..... She was such a great gal. I did photography and we would talk of that................She liked doing it to. Taff had told me some of the shots she had done.. Her family will keep them forever....I WILL MISS HER!!!
December 27, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Taffy's death. May you find comfort of her being with Lynn. Our thoughts are with you.
Pam and Justin Klingler
December 27, 2010
We are sooo sorry to read of taffy's passing.she was our youngest son's readiness teacher.Evan loved her who didn't???All our sympathy and prayers to you all. THE DOW FAMILY
Barbara Doyle
December 27, 2010
Taffy was such a help to me as President of NHREA. She could always be counted on. She was a wonderful person and I am so glad I was able to get to know her. NH retired educators were so proud of her as she was recognized for her volunteering by NRTA in San Francisco. I was so proud to be there when she was recognized. Taffy and her great spirit will be missed. Love always, Barbara Doyle
Manville Family
December 27, 2010
So sorry to learn of "Mrs. McGuigan's" , Taffy's, passing. She was a role model for so many in our community. I'll never forget her warm smile and lovely way. She will be so terribly missed. Our sympathies go to the entire McGuigan Family.
December 27, 2010
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman with so many children. I was one of the children who benefited from her skills as an educator. Later in life I was honored to serve under her in Delta Kappa Gamma. She was so gifted and so loving to all her students. May I offer my sincere sympathy to all her family, especially the grandchildren that she loved so dearly.
Brenda Walker
Alane & Richard Barrett
December 27, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the McGuigan family for the loss of dear Catherine. I am sure she will be sadly missed by so many people. She contribued a lot to this community for which many are greatful. God Bless her.
The Barrett Family, Moultonboro, NH.
December 27, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Taffy for her kindness to my sons when their father died. She was a lovely person. With sincere sympathy, Molly
December 27, 2010
We are so very sorry for your loss, the school's loss, the town's loss. Taffy will be missed so much. We send our love, Wendell and Mary
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