Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, 85, of Natick, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Born in River Centre, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on March 14, 1939, she was the beloved daughter of Dougald and Margaret (MacLean) MacKinnon.
Catherine, a beloved member of our community, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith. Born and raised on a family farm in a tight-knit rural community, Catherine developed a deep appreciation for Scottish music and square dancing, which reflected her vibrant spirit and joyful nature.
At the age of 18, Catherine immigrated to the United States, embarking on a new chapter in her life. It was here that she met the love of her life, P.A., thanks to an introduction from her brother John. They married in 1961 and chose to settle in Natick, where they devoted themselves to raising a loving family. As a devoted mother, Catherine was a cornerstone of her family, nurturing and supporting her children with kindness and grace. She actively participated in her religious community, teaching CCD for several years and delighting her students with her homemade chocolate chip cookies.
After dedicating herself to her family, Catherine found her true calling as a CNA at Bethany Healthcare in Framingham, where she served for 25 years. Her work was marked by compassion and pride, as she developed lasting friendships with both patients and coworkers, embodying the spirit of empathy in every interaction.
Catherine was deeply connected to her siblings and family, with frequent gatherings filled with laughter, card games, and phone calls that were a cherished part of her daily life. Summer vacations back home to Cape Breton with her family were a treasured tradition that brought her immense joy.
As a grandmother, Catherine was her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader, celebrating their successes and providing a steadfast presence in their lives and faith. Her outgoing nature and generosity of spirit touched everyone she met, and she was known for her kindness and warmth.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dana Farber in Boston and Good Shepherd in Newton for their incredible care during Catherine's courageous journey battling cancer. A special thank you goes out to the nurses and staff at Good Shepherd Hospice for the compassionate support provided during her final moments.
Catherine's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Catherine is predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter Smith (d. 2022), daughter Wendy Anne (d.1982) her parents and brothers, John Duncan, D.A. MacKinnon, and John MacKinnon. She was the loving mother of Kevin Smith and his wife Patti, of Bartlett, IL, Michelle Holbrook and her husband Jay of Cary, NC, and Linda Higgins and her husband Michael, of Medway, MA, Doting grandmother of 8 grandchildren, Alexis, Caitlin, MacLean, Catherine, Camden, Ceilidh, Catherine, and Ian, Great-grandmother of Jack. Cherished sister of Neil MacKinnon, Jimmy MacKinnon, Sandy MacKinnon, Dan MacKinnon, Mary MacFarlane, Jessie MacKinnon, and Jeanette Campbell. Catherine was also a loving aunt to several nieces and nephews.
A visiting hour will be held at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., NATICK COMMON on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 8:30 am – 9:30 am. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Linus Church, 119 Hartford St., Natick at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Natick
Donations in Catherine's memory may be made to: Saint Peter's Parish, 283 Main Street, Port Hood, N.S. BOE-2GO
For online guestbook and directions, please visit www.everettfuneral.com
Catherine's Funeral Mass at St. Linus Church will be livestreamed, Friday, February 14, 2025, at 10:00 am. You may access the stream through this link below:
Link: Catherine Smith Funeral Mass Live Stream