Catherine Mary Stratford

Catherine Baum Stratford passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18 at The Governor King Community at The Highlands of Topsham. Catherine was born on February 27, 1924 to Henry and Lily (Walker) Hastie in their home in Patterson, NJ. She was the first born of immigrants from Dublin, Ireland and Motherwell, Scotland. Catherine grew up in a large and loving family with sisters Margaret and Ann and brother Thomas. She attended St. Nicholas Catholic School and finishing school in New York City. In 1942, Catherine met the man of her dreams, Harold W. Baum, whom she married three years later upon his return from serving in the US Army during WWII. Together, they were blessed with six wonderful children whom they taught values of love and kindness, faith and compassion, integrity and strong work ethic. They moved to Portland, Maine in 1962. After 25 years of marriage, Catherine's fairy tale romance came to an early end when Harold died at the age of 51. She carried on in both parental roles for seven years until she married her very dear friend and companion Joseph E. Stratford in 1978. Catherine was a woman of strong faith, and was devoted to the Roman Catholic Church. To everyone who knew her, Catherine was a role model of unconditional love. In the Fall of 1970, Catherine began working in the Office of Religious Education of the Diocese of Portland. She worked as the Activities Coordinator of the Father Hayes Center at St. Joseph Parish, retiring in 2001. In her later years, she enjoyed the vibrant lifestyle at Ocean View at Falmouth, prior moving to Governor King. Next to her faith, Catherine's family always came first. She adored her children, and was overwhelmed with joy with the blessing of each new grandchild and great-grandchild. She loved to attend all of their events, ball games, and parties. Catherine also enjoyed gardening, writing poetry, traveling, and social activities with friends. Catherine is predeceased by her parents, her brother, one sister, and her husbands Harold and Joseph. Catherine is survived by her children and their families Bette Ann and Ian Buchan of Days Ferry, Kathleen and Larry Gross of Camden, Margaret Jane Flaherty of Cumberland, Maureen and Dick Connolly of Portland, Harold and Dee Dee Baum of Scarborough, and Patty and Dennis Theriault of Sanford; plus stepson Cary Stratford of Alstead, NH, her twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Catherine is also survived by her sister Ann Burke of Montville, NJ and many dear nieces and nephews. Catherine's children are deeply grateful for the love and compassionate care provided by the staff at Governor King. Their acts of kindness never went unnoticed, and will never be forgotten. In honor of Catherine, donations may be made to either The "OceanView Residents Assistance Fund" or the "Highlands Residents Assistance Fund".

As Catherine would always say, "Just put on a little lipstick, and you'll be fine".

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation on Sunday September 21, 2014 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday September 22, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 695 Stevens Avenue Portland, Maine with Father Renald LaBarre as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. On-Line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.