Catherine Mary (Rogers) Souza of Wilmington, MA became an angel on December 27, 2020, passing peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and beloved pet goldfish "Sunshine" after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on November 23, 1932 in Brighton to Catherine "Kitty" (O'Toole) and John J. Rogers, Kay, known to all as "Mimi", grew up in Somerville before moving to Malden where she met the love of her life, Stanley R. "Gigi" Souza, in the 7th grade. Family was always at her core having been raised in a foster home environment with her three siblings after losing her mother in childbirth when she was two and a half years old and a father who was a commercial fisherman at sea for three weeks out of every month.
Mimi's greatest joy was family extended to include her siblings, nieces and nephews and a host of friends throughout her life. Mimi and Gigi attended every event that their children and grandchildren participated in. Each grandchild was precious to her and had a unique and special relationship with Mimi. Her favorite shirt was embroidered with each of their names which served as a great prop to introduce them to complete strangers. She was in a woman's bowling league into her 80s where she affectionately nicknamed "Mrs. Hallmark" for remembering everyone's birthday with a personalized handmade card. She was our sunshine and is loved "scoodles, moodles, doodles and poodles" by all who knew her.
Mimi is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Stan, along with their children and grandchildren; son Michael Souza and his wife Ellen of North Andover and their children Caille and her husband William, and Catherine, son Stanley John Souza of Wilmington and his children Kyle, Kellie and Kevin. Mimi is also survived by her sister Anna Todisco as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her late parents, Mimi is sadly predeceased by her sister Mary Bairos and brother John Rogers.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Sunday, January 3rd, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington. A funeral Mass will be celebrated, Monday, January 4th, in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. All attending must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing protocols. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Mimi's favorite charity, The New England Home for Little Wanderers,10 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.dellorusso.net
For those unable to attend the funeral Mass you are invited to virtually join in the celebration of Mimi's life at the following link. https://facebook.com/events/s/services-for-catherine-m-souza/217858253211560/?ti=ia