Catherine Y. Yoyos Telford

She was born on April 17, 1928 in Webster, MA, daughter of the late Samuel George Yoyos (previously Savas George Georgios) born in Turkey and Helena Agris born in Greece, who both came to the United States in 1913 through Ellis Island and settled in Webster, MA.

Kay graduated from Webster High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA in 1950. She taught grade school in Pembroke, MA until she entered the Marines in 1954. She served in the regular service from 1954-1957 and in the Reserves from 1957-1985. She retired officially in 1987 as a Colonel in the US Marine Reserve. Kay received her Master of Education in 1954 and a PhD in 1976 from the International University of San Diego in 1976.

As a teacher, Kay taught Social Studies, English and Latin to high school students and also served as a guidance counselor in the Carlsbad, CA school system where she was employed from 1967 until she retired in 1988. She was passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students and believed that education was the key to success.

Kay was an active participant in many organizations including; the Retired Officers Association, the Reserve Officers Association, Phi Beta Kappa, the San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation, Past Grand Jurors Association, American Legion, Military Order of World Wars, Retired Officers Nest San Diego, MENSA, Women Marines Association, The Edith Macias Vann Southern California Chapter (CA-7), and the Armed Services YMCA (where she was instrumental in matching Marines with local families for Thanksgiving Dinner). Col. Catherine Y. Telford, USMC (Ret.) was also the proud recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Award because of her exceptional service to the Women Marines Association scholarship program.

She was an extraordinarily generous person who gave both her time and money to support her favorite causes, including particularly, the military. She loved to travel and visited many countries around the world and was particularly fond of her trips to China and Greece.

Kay is survived by three sisters: Claire (Gallo) Barrett, of Arlington, MA; Bessie Walsh of Sandson, NH; and Elaine Warner of Lake City, FL; She is also survived by five nieces: Debbie De Gabrielle of Weymouth, MA; Maureen Fitzpatrick of Salem, NH; Paula Giblin of Hampstead, NH; Annemarie Sabatula of Saugus MA; and Cheryl Schaffner of Lake Cutler, FL; and two nephews, Samuel Gallo of Arlington, MA and James Gallo of Troy, IL as well as multiple great and great, great nieces and nephews. She was formerly married to Jack Telford, who is now deceased.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Armed Forces YMCA or the Women Marine’s Association that awards educational scholarships.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 at the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary in Oceanside, CA. A Funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Orthodox Chapel in the Binder Memorial Complex at Camp Pendleton at 11:30. A reception will be held from 12:30-2:00 at Fellowship Center. The Committal Service will be held at 2:30 at the Eternal Hills Memorial Park.