Catherine McLoughlin

A cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Catherine McLoughlin-Hayes passed away peacefully in her sleep, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at home in Columbia, Maryland.
Born in Strokestown, County Roscommon, Ireland, Catherine was the second child of Joseph and Katie McLoughlin. A determined, lively, and bright young woman, she graduated from Munster Institute, and then worked at Athenry Agricultural College, and later as a Poultry Advisor.
Catherine loved to travel, and took every opportunity in her youth to go throughout Europe and the US. She was of strong aspirations, and was always determined to work hard to succeed. In 1972 she came to Washington, DC, expecting to return home to Ireland after a few months. Then she received a scholarship to pursue graduate studies at the University of Maryland, and decided to stay in the US, always with the plan of returning home later. But sometimes life has other plans. She met John Hayes, who would later have the honor of becoming her husband. After her graduate studies, they moved to Philadelphia to pursue her passion in education and biology as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
In 1977, Catherine moved to the new city of Columbia, MD, where she planted her roots for the next 46 years, raising her three loving children. She switched careers and went on to a successful career in real estate. As a realtor she was loved and respected by her clients and colleagues for her care and expertise. She was very active in Howard County community activities, including the Rotary Club.
Catherine always had a passion for poetry and literature. She was a dedicated long-time board member of the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo), and served with distinction as the Irish Evening Chair for nearly 40 years. Catherine brought many of the most renowned Irish writers, including Seamus Heaney, John McGahern, Eavan Boland, Colm Toibin and Frank McCourt, to read at the Annual Irish Evening of Music and Poetry.
Catherine was a fiercely dedicated mother and devoted grandmother. She had many, many friends. She was treasured for her loving, kind nature, her wonderful sense of humor, and her generosity of spirit. Catherine had deep faith and authentic spirituality; she was a long-time parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic parish in Columbia.
Catherine's legacy is lovingly carried on by her family. She is survived by her three adoring children, Siobhán Hayes and her husband Jason Engel, Brendan Hayes, and Caitriona Hayes. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Fiona, Maja, and Adrian Engel; Meabh Bochynski-Hayes; and Ruadhan Bochynski-Hayes. Catherine is also survived by her siblings, Joe McLoughlin and Maura McLoughlin-Lundon, as well as her nieces Dr. Denise Lundon, Michelle Lundon, and Commandant Catherine Lundon, and her nephew Dr. Dara Lundon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo).
Interment is private.