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Catherine Walsh Obituary
WORCESTER - Sister Catherine Marie Walsh, R.S.M., a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, died on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, Massachusetts while on vacation in Wellfleet. She was born Therese Anne Walsh in Worcester, MA, the daughter of John Patrick Walsh and Catherine Josephine (Sullivan) Walsh, and received her early education at the former Ascension and Blessed Sacrament Elementary Schools, graduating from the former Ascension High School. Prior to entering the Sisters of Mercy she completed studies at Becker Junior College and embarked on a career in business.
In 1955 Therese joined the Sisters of Mercy and as a novice was given the name Sister Catherine Marie. She professed her First Vows in 1957 in the Chapel at Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester, MA and made her Final Profession of Vows there in 1962. She then went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Anna Maria College, continued her studies in Business at the former Ward School of Business, and was awarded graduate degrees at Worcester State College and Assumption College in Worcester.
Sister Catherine Marie taught in elementary education at the former Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament schools in Worcester before joining the faculty at Marian (now St. Peter Marian) High school as Chair of the Business Department. In 1976 she began a long commitment to Religious Education at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Milford, MA where she served as Coordinator of the Religious Education program until her retirement.
For many years Sister Catherine Marie served as the Bishop's Liaison to the Charismatic Renewal Program in the Diocese of Worcester. She was a woman who loved to share her personal experience of a God of faithfulness, walking with numerous women and men as they lived out their own desire to deepen their personal relationship with a gracious and merciful God, and to live their faith, as she did, with gratitude and joy. She also served as an active member of the Worcester Diocesan Cursillo Movement.
Sister Catherine Marie was predeceased by her parents, John P. and Catherine J. (Sullivan) Walsh, her siblings, John P. Walsh, Jr., Mary Flynn and her husband Charles, Kathleen Foley and her husband Daniel, Dorothy Gentile and her husband Joseph, and her twin sister Eileen and her husband Ernie Pelletier, as well as a younger sister Patricia, a nephew Jackie Walsh and a niece Rosemary Walsh.
She leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their family members, many dear friends, and the deceased members of her Religious Community, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
Calling hours will be held at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, on Thursday, July 28 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Leicester, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund, 515 Montgomery Avenue, Merion, PA 19066.
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Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Walsh
Sponsored by a Friend in Christ.
Dan Centi
February 9, 2017
Just learned of her death. She was my 6th grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament. She was an angel.
Karen
August 5, 2016
Sister Catherine, may you rest easy in the arms of the Lord. You left a mark on so many. God bless.
Annmarie Haggerty
July 29, 2016
Sr. Catherine Marie was a huge influence in my early years when I was a student at Marian, class of '74. We had a unique bond, so much so, that when I made my Confirmation, I chose her name, "Catherine" for my Confirmation name. She taught me well enough to earn a living on my own, to put God before anything else, to respect other people's differences and to love unconditionally. She was a marvelous mentor and a true lady in all she did. May she rest in peace.
Mary Shea
July 29, 2016
I enjoyed my years at Marian with Sister Catherine in the typing room and trying to teaching me business math---I still can't balance a checkbook. Sister always had a smile on her face, I was able to see her last fall at her niece Rosie's viewing. Sister Catherine, our lord will greet you and warm your way into heaven.
Kimberly Hazuka
July 29, 2016
RIP Sister Catherine. You were a staple in my childhood now I teach my children what you taught me growing up. God brought home a truly selfless angel and Milford lost a great women.
irene best
July 29, 2016
Dear Sister Catherine Marie: Like your other students from Marian High, I was one of your typing students, along with Kathleen Harrity O'Shaughnessy who I'm sure greeted you with a great big hug into Heaven and God's grace. I remember you walking up and down the rows, going SSS space, TTT space and then we would have typing races to see who could type over 100 wpm. It was fun being a Marian girl. You also helped me with a scholarship essay on "Why I wish to pursue a secretarial career" and I won, and we had dinner at Nick's with Mayor Early. That was many years ago, but will never forget you. Thanks for making our Marian lives fun and happy! God bless you, Sr. Catherine Marie.
Irene Best, Sandwich, MA
MaryClaire Pelletier
July 29, 2016
Truly one of a kind lady. I could sit and talk and laugh with Sister for hours. You will be missed dearly my friend, wish we could have caught up one last time. Please say hi to grandma and papa for me. Sending so much love from Costa Rica....
Lucille Worley
July 28, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Joann Smith
July 28, 2016
Sister Catherine has touched just about everyone in Milford. Heaven has a new angel now and we will all miss her so much. Words cannot express how much she was loved and honored. Good bye sweet lady. RIP. God needed you with him.
Charlie O'Connor
July 28, 2016
53 rears ago as a sixth grader at Blessed Sacrament school Sister Catherine Marie was an imposing presence but quickly found her to be a caring teacher who lived what she professed.That friendship grew over 53 years with many laughs!! She was the real thing and shall miss her greatly!!!
Jocelyn Lucier
July 28, 2016
Rest in peace, Sr. Catherine. Thank you for your faith and example as well as your sense of humor. You will be missed . May God bless you and welcome you into his Heavenly Kingdom.
Bob & Rosemary Bessette
July 28, 2016
A good friend and member of our Marion Community. We will miss her.
Kerrie Geer
July 28, 2016
The Geer family rest in peace sister Catherine <3
kerrie geer
July 28, 2016
I remember Sister Catherine as 1st my ccd teacher and then as time passed I worked along side of her as my children attended ccd classes with her. she was always someone you could turn to in your time of need and she always offered a shoulder to cry on if that is what was needed at the time. I will always remember her for being the kind hearted, strong willed person she was. I was happy to hear that she was living so close to my mother at Birmingham court. I am sadly disappointed that I am not going to get the chance to sit and talk with her now when I come up to Massachusetts to visit next week. She will always be sadly missed. Rest in peace Sister Catherine. May you now and forever sit at the hands of God like you taught so many of us to believe. May God bless you!!!! much love
Pat Parker
July 28, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Sr, Catherine's passing. I spoke to her only a couple of weeks ago. She was a friend to everyone. I will miss her.May she rest in peace. Thank you for all you did for our children.
Kathleen Kelly
July 27, 2016
Elizabeth Cahill got it right - She was a pistol ! I graduated with honors from college but I think the best class I EVER took was TYPING AT MARIAN HIGH SHCOOL. ALL those term papers would have been torture had I not been able to type. It also helped get me a job as a new college graduate. Remember that was the mid 70's. Sr. Catherine Marie had a SPARKLE in her eyes, a gusto for life, and a love of all she served as a Sister of Mercy. As a member of Marian High School Class of 1971 she knew all of us, too. Sr. embraced the world she lived in - so many lives touched by one person in the name of GOD. Rest in Peace my friend.
Nicole Kamishlian
July 27, 2016
goe bless you! Always will remember you as a part my faith growing up at scared heart. Rest in peace
Patricia Gallagher Genatossio
July 27, 2016
I was blessed to have had Sr. Catherine Marie as a teacher at Sacred Heart Grammar School in Worcester and as a teacher and class advisor at Marian High School. She was a wonderful woman. In my thoughts and prayers - rest in peace Sr. Catherine Marie.
Patty
July 27, 2016
I do not know of anyone that had more of an impact on people than Sister Catherine. Her love for God and his people was so obvious in everything she did. She was a family friend for over 35 years and we will always remember the family celebrations that Catherine made special. On one particular day she showed me the inscription that was on the ring she wore. It read "He must increase and I must decrease." This became my mantra. We will miss you so much but we know you are at home with your "favorite guy "..... Till we meet again...We love you
Sandy, Tom, Wendi and the Bonina family
Millie & Jim Garden
July 27, 2016
Sr. Catherine was a joy to be with...always positive in her thoughts and always ready to help anyone. You have graced us with your presence on earth and may the Good Lord, our God take you in His loving arms. We will miss you.
Sarah (Cleveland) Baroud
July 27, 2016
Sister Catherine was always a bright, yet calming presence at Sacred Heart Church in Milford. She made me feel connected and welcome at the church since I was little. My mom and Sister Catherine had a wonderful friendship, and I know they are together again. xo
Cheryl Langlois
July 27, 2016
Rejoice in the Lord, Sister Catherine. I will miss you❤
Elizabeth Cahill
July 27, 2016
She was a pistol! And our class Advisor at Marian. May she Rest in Peace. Liz Cahill, Class of '70
Mary Fleming
July 27, 2016
Many fond memories of Sister Catherine Marie during my years at Marian HS and our continued connection at every reunion. Sending prayers and may your spirit soar ever more in the arms of God.
Gayle Benson
July 27, 2016
Even though I know she is so happy to be with her Beloved Lord Jesus I will truly miss this holy woman blessed with His gifts of Wisdom and Joy. In the short time I knew her she taught me so much about The Lord's gifts of happiness, compassion and love. Thank you Lord for letting us have her in our prayer group; she will be deeply missed.
July 27, 2016
So sorry to here the passing of Sister Catherine. We all will miss here dearly.Love Carolyn & Nick Bucchino
Michael, Mary. Scott and Kevin Riggs
July 27, 2016
The Milford Ma community suffered a loss today with the passing of Sister Catherine Marie Walsh. So many ccd coordinator meetings, family functions and fun filled dinners were blessed by her prescence. My family and I will miss you with all of our hearts and souls. Sacred Heart of jesus parish and St Marys of Milford, we're truly blessed for the thousands of children's lives you touched with your strong spirit and beautiful smile . You were always encouraging the children and the adults to find the love of god. God speed I know you are walking amongst the angels..we will be forever grateful for for the loving spirit, your unwavering love and friendship. He always takes the best.
Eileen Ganong
July 27, 2016
Condolences to the family, friends and Religious community of Sr. Catherine. I remember her well from my days at Marian HS
(class of 76 - the last year before the merge).
May she rest in peace.
Dorry (Smith)Stone
July 27, 2016
You had the very difficult job of keeping the largest class of girls in check at Marian. You knew every one of us, and will be missed at the reunions. (class of 70)
Amanda Hatfield
July 27, 2016
Sister Catherine, you will be missed by the whole Hatfield family. My sisters went to Milford Catholic. I will always remember the talks we had.
Pat & Patti Bucchino
July 27, 2016
My Dear Sister Catherine, You have been such a wonderful friend to our family. We will miss you. We know that you are in Heaven now, watching over all of us here on earth. Love, Pat & Patti Bucchino
Anne Brickley
July 26, 2016
Sorry to see such a nice lady leaves us. I knew her from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Milford. Helped her one year with CCD 9th grade. She was such a good teacher. I got a lot out of it that year as well as the students did. I will greatly miss her.
Jonathan Capece
July 26, 2016
Sister, I've loved getting to know you over the past few years. I'll miss seeing you on Friday nights for scripture and praise, but I know you'll be praying and praising with us with Jesus! We love you, Sister Catherine! -Jonathan Capece of the 4U Worship Team
Lisa BelmonteFoster
July 26, 2016
Thank you so much Sister Catherine for you kindness, support and guidance. You were so there for my mom when my aunt was dying. You prayed with me to help me let go of anger from the past and you taught my son ccd. May the perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace forever.
July 26, 2016
Sister Catherine, May you rest in peace, my prayers for your family, community and friends, for their loss of a special lady. With gratitude!! Joanne Mauldin.
Fr. David Martin
July 26, 2016
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sr. Catherine. I worked with her many years ago at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Milford and maintained a wonderful relationship with her through the years. My prayers are with her Community of Sisters and her many friends.
Paula Fortin
July 26, 2016
You were an inspiration to me during the years I taught CCD under your direction. You will be missed here in Milford. God bless you and rest in peace.
Sandra Bucchino-Goglia
July 26, 2016
You will be sadly missed. My family loved you very much. May you rest in peace.
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