Catherine Ann Sanford

Essex, MA – Catherine Ann Sanford, 85, of Essex, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 20, 2025 surrounded by family she cherished. The daughter of the late D. Francis and Mary (Bradshaw) Murphy, Catherine was born and raised in Hudson, MA where her gift for connecting with people - especially with children - showed itself early and never left her.
Cathy graduated from St. Michael's Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College.
Upon graduation from Emmanuel, Cathy was a science teacher at Waltham High School where her gentle patience and genuine interest in her students made a lasting impression. After starting her own family, she paused her teaching career but never stopped being an educator at heart.
When she and her husband Robert returned to her home town of Hudson, Cathy, poured her energy, faith and love for children into the C.C.D. program at Christ the King Parish. She taught and later directed the program for more than two decades, earning her Master's Degree in Catholic Education along the way. She is remembered as a beautiful soul by the community.
Cathy and Bob raised their five sons with the same warmth and wholeheartedness she gave to everyone she net. Summers on Hardy Lane in Essex, in the beloved family home Bob and his father built in 1940s were filled with laughter, boating adventures and open doors. Cathy mad the house a place where her big family, numerous friends, cousins and neighbors felt instantly welcome.
Later in life, Cathy brought her steady hand and sharp mind to the family construction business, helping it grow in meaningful ways. In retirement,, she gave of herself even more, caring for and doting on her grandchildren. They adored their Nana, who listened fully, encouraged gently and cheered them on with a pride that radiated from her grandchildren which brought her great joy.
Cathy also loved to travel, where her most memorable trips were the ones shared with family - wherever they were, that was where she most wanted to be.
Catherine is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Robert Sanford; and by their sons R. Thomas and his wife Deborah of Berlin; Patrick and his wife Hope of Essex; James and his husband Matthew Casey of Essex; Daniel and his wife Roberta of Ayer; and John and his wife Kathrine of Maynard. She was the loving Nana of Maegan, Erin, Hanna, Jake, Declan and Teague and a cherished aunt to many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. All of whom treasured time with her. She also leaves her sisters Cornelia Murphy of Berlin and Patricia Bergeron of Northborough and a sister in law, Noreen Landry of Berlin. She is predeceased by her brother, D. Francis Murphy; sisters, Mary Julia O'Malley; and Ellen Jane Van Buskirk.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 52 Main St, Essex, MA on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich on Monday November 24 from 4 to 7PM. Burial will be at Spring St. Cemetery in Essex. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Catherine's memory to The Open Door Food Pantry 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, https://foodpantry.org/ways-to-give/donate. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.