Catherine Fenderson Smith

Catherine Fenderson Smith NORTH BERWICK -- Katie Smith's beautiful heart stopped beating on Sept. 18, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Catherine, or Katie, was born on Jan. 11, 1954, the eldest daughter of Maurice and Evelyn Fenderson. She was a native of Wells and was educated in the University of Maine system. She followed her life-long passion of science through a Master's Degree in Immunology and a career in research and development at Idexx Laboratories. Katie was married to her devoted and loving husband Jeffery W. Smith for 30 years. Together, they had one son, Christopher W. Smith. As a family they enjoyed hiking, camping and traveling, joining the AMC's 4000 Footers Club along the way. Katie was greatly admired by her co-workers for her talent, dedication and perseverance. Her friends and family all mourn the loss of a kind, generous and gentle soul whose compassion and friendship will be sadly missed. In addition to her husband, son and daughter-in-law Jessica, Katie is survived by her mother Evelyn; three siblings, Deborah McGann, Robert Fenderson and Mary-Ellen Fenderson; her niece and five nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Maurice L. Fenderson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the Bethel Christian Church, 129 Lower Main St., in North Berwick. To offer words of condolence to the family, share memories and sign a guest book, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com.Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. The family extends special thanks to Anna Niegowska, Carolyn Murphy, Jay Zhu and Lenora Trussell for their kind and thoughtful care and consideration. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made in her name to: The Central Asia Institute P.O. Box 7209 Bozeman, Montanna 59771 www.ikat.org or to the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maine 470 Forest Ave. Suite 302 Portland, Maine 04101-2009 www.kidney.org