Catherine Suchodolski

Catherine Suchodolski, 82, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025.

Catherine graduated from Andover High School in Andover, MA, where she was a spirited cheerleader. Each summer, she shared her love of the water as a lifeguard at Camp Bernadette on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH.

Following her graduation from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester, MA, Catherine began her 45-year career in maternal health care, caring for mothers and newborns with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She started as a neonatal intensive care nurse at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Mass General Hospital before moving to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA, where she ultimately served as Director of Maternal Child Health for many years. She held exceptionally high standards and inspired those around her to meet them, always placing mothers and their families first.

A true pioneer in her field, Catherine established the first Level II Special Care Nursery in the Merrimack Valley along with her friend and colleague Dr. Andrea Magno. This was a groundbreaking achievement that she brought to Holy Family Hospital. She introduced single-room maternity care - allowing labor, birth, and postpartum recovery to take place in the same room, with rooming-in for the newborn - an innovative approach at the time. She also founded Holy Family's bereavement group for parents who had experienced the loss of a baby in the perinatal period, one of the first such programs in the region. She personally met with the group each month and organized an annual Christmas service in the hospital chapel, offering comfort and community that continues to this day.

Her greatest love was her family. Catherine was married to Edward Suchodolski for 57 years, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. She is survived by her husband, Edward; her daughter, Gretchen Moxcey; her grandchildren, Ella and Harper Moxcey; her brother, Dennis O'Shea; and her sisters, Pat Vonnegut, Peggy O'Shea, and Kelly O'Shea. She will also be fondly remembered for the special bond she shared with her beloved cat, Esther. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. James O'Shea and Marion O'Shea.

Catherine poured her heart into the things that brought beauty and joy to others. In her gardens, she nurtured vibrant perennial beds with such care and artistry that they could have graced the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Inside her home, she loved the holidays and any reason to entertain, filling the table with delicious food and the company of family and friends. Every 4th of July, she made her homemade strawberry shortcake - a family favorite met with smiles, laughter, and competition for the biggest slice.

She loved going for car rides, and some of her favorite stops were the beach, Markey's for lobster, and Benson's for ice cream. She was always enthusiastic about life's little pleasures and was famous for exclaiming, "Oh, goody!" whenever a special treat was in store.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation at www.alzfdn.org. Catherine faced this disease with strength and grace, fighting a long and courageous battle that inspired all who loved her.

She will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery, where one day she will be joined by her husband, a proud Vietnam veteran.