Cathleen Teresa Stark

Cathleen Teresa Stark, 83, of Newtown, CT passed away on Sunday, July 13 at her home

surrounded by her loving family. She had been diagnosed with cancer last October. Cathie was

born on November 27, 1941 in Holyoke, MA to Francis and Catherine Meehan. She grew up in

South Hadley, MA attended local schools, and graduated from Framingham State College with a

teaching degree. She began her career at Timothy Dwight Elementary School in Fairfield CT,

and later taught at a missionary school in Houston, TX, and taught ESL in CT. She is preceded

in death by her parents, and her brothers James and Francis Meehan.

Cathie is survived by by her husband, Walter, their children; Kate Stark, Matthew (Tonya) Stark,

Heather (James) Shanahan, her grandchildren Alina (Nick) Stark Dighello and Jude Stark,

Sophie and Connor Shanahan, and a great grandchild Evangeline Dighello. She is also survived

by her brother Richard Meehan and family in Laguna Niguel, California as well as many beloved

family members.

She met her life long partner, Walter, at a Memorial Day party in 1964 and they were married in

July 1966.

Cathie will best be remembered for her devotion to her husband and children for whom she gave

so much love and energy. Moreover, she gave much encouragement and counseling to friends in

need and helped them through their troubles. She was a lifelong volunteer and was very

instrumental in getting a girl's soccer program established at Newtown High School.

Cathie had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed music and art, loved puzzles, and was an avid

reader. She also was the person everyone turned to for computer issues, TV problems and

anything electrical. She loved being in Maine by the ocean, and spending time with family and

friends.

We were indeed blessed to have had her in our lives. Faugh A Ballagh (an Irish farewell) to our

dear Cathie, Mom, and Mimi.

The family will hold a visitation for Cathie at the Honan Funeral Home in Newtown, CT, on

Thursday, July 24, with calling hours between 6-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's

Church in Bethel CT, on Friday July 25, at 11am. Preceding the Mass, the family will be

receiving friends and family at St Mary's Church, beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in Cathie's name to RVNA Health (Ridgefield Visiting Nurses

Association).