Catherine Allen Thomas, 94, died peacefully on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Saint Patrick’s Manor in Framingham following a period of declining health.
She was born in Hartford on March 10, 1927 the daughter of the late Earl Howard Allen and Catherine Elizabeth (Landers) Allen.
She is survived by her son Deacon Geoffrey W. Higgins and his wife Peggy (Doyen) Higgins of Wayland and her daughter Anne Higgins Lambert and her husband Roger Lambert of Burlington, VT. Cathie had two grandchildren. Emma Lambert who lives with her husband James Davis and son Sam Lambert-Davis in Burlington VT; and Patrick W. Higgins and his wife Jenna T. Higgins and their daughters Avery Catherine Higgins and Nora Carol Higgins all of Wallingford, PA. Also survived by one nephew Brian Hartnett and his wife Kathy of Simsbury, CT.
Cathie lived on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford CT with her mother, father, and grandmother until age 17, when she decided to become a nurse. She graduated in 1947 with her R.N. from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing. For the rest of her life she used that education to help others. She lived in Old Saybrook, CT for over 55 years where she was a pediatric nurse in Old Saybrook and a school nurse in Essex until her retirement. She was an organizing founder of the Old Saybrook Ambulance Association in 1974 at which time she also earned her EMT certificate. She was a hospice caregiver and instructor at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT. Notably, Cathie was a member and Chair of the Old Saybrook School Board for over a decade. She always was a Poll Worker for each election. As with her nursing career, this was a natural part of her being by serving and giving back to her community.
Cathie loved to hike and traveled the world enjoying the company of friends and newly met friends. She hiked in such places as Norway, New Zealand, the Galapagos, Switzerland, and Italy. Once she and some friends rented a narrowboat in England which they operated themselves. It was hard work but wholly worthwhile, just as Cathie liked to spend her time.
For many years, Cathie's interest in the theater brought her to be a docent at The Kate Theater in Old Saybrook and an usher at the Ivoryton Playhouse and Good Speed Opera House. Knitting was a constant in Cathie’s life. She organized and led many a (usually silent) prayerful knitting group at her church or in her home. She was always reading at least one book and loved to talk about them.
At the request of her family, there will be no funeral home visitations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:30 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Ann Church, 134 Cochituate Road (Rt 27), Wayland, MA. Masks are a mandatory requirement to attend church services. Her family will receive attendees directly afterwards at the church.
Interment in the family lot in Cypress Cemetery, Old Saybrook, CT will be held at a later date. The family will also plan a Celebration of her Life at Masonicare at Chester Village where she resided.
In lieu of flowers, her family kindly suggests that memorial gifts in Cathie’s memory may be sent to the High School Scholarship Fund at Chester Village, 317 Main St, Chester, CT, or St Patrick’s Manor, Framingham.