She was born on June 22, 1925 in the house she was raised in and where she in turn raised her family, in Thornwood, NY.
Catherine was a graduate of Pleasantville H.S.
She met her future husband, the late John J. McLoughlin, in Rockaway Beach, NY where she was vacationing with her family and he was on leave from the Army, vacationing with his family. After he returned from service in WW II, they were married in April of 1946. Together they decided to move west embarking on an exciting trek across country, where they enjoyed many wonderful adventures, settling in Tacoma WA. While they truly enjoyed their life in the Northwest, after giving birth to their first child, Margaret Ann, they longed for their extended families and moved back to Thornwood to be near them.
Catherine gave birth to five children, Margaret Ann Kenny of Vermont, Patricia Gallinari of East Freetown, MA, Sean McLoughlin of North Eastham, MA, Thomas McLoughlin of Captain Cook, HI, and Catherine Bird of Lakeville, MA. In addition to these children, she also raised four foster children from early childhood through adulthood. They are the late Darlene Mussi, formerly of West Milford, NJ, David McGoldrick of Charlotte, NC, Alyssa Kuhn of West Milford, NJ, and Dara Weber of Farmington, MI. In addition to lovingly raising nine children, Catherine and John often opened their hearts and their home to infants from the Foundling of the Archdiocese of New York to give them loving shelter until they were adopted or until their mothers got their lives in order. Catherine was especially joyful on one of her last days in the hospital, as she and the many members of her family surrounding her, fondly recalled the names of the many infants and toddlers whose lives she touched.
Catherine was devoted to her family. She was an excellent seamstress and was constantly making outfits for her daughters. Additionally, she excelled at sewing Halloween costumes for her children who competed in the Thornwood Halloween Parade where one of her children would inevitably win first prize.
Catherine also excelled at baking. In addition to her beautifully decorated birthday cakes, her coconut cake in the shape of a bunny at Easter and her Strawberry Cheese Pie at Thanksgiving and Christmas were legendary.
Catherine was active in her community, volunteering as a girl scout leader and in many volunteer roles for Holy Rosary, her local parish.
After retiring from Reader’s Digest, where she held several different positions, she moved with her husband to their summer home in North Eastham which they converted to a year round home.
She was active in her parish community of St. Joan of Arc in Orleans, serving for over 20 years as a volunteer in the parish thrift shop.
While retired she renewed her interest in art and created many beautiful paintings. Retirement also provided her the opportunity to travel, often joined by many members of her family, which she cherished.
In addition to her loving family previously mentioned, she leaves behind her son in law Brian Kenny of Vermont, James Mussi, the husband of Darlene Mussi, daughter in law Phoebe McLoughlin, daughter in law Vickie McLoughlin, son in law Gene Bird, Ramona McGoldrick, the wife of David McGoldrick and Doug Weber, the husband of Dara Weber. She also leaves many, many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her very much.
Calling hours will be held Friday March 15, between 5-7 pm, at Nickerson Funeral Home in Orleans, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on Main Street in Harwich, at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com .
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