GILLESPIE, Catherine Eileen (Fitzpatrick), age 88, passed away peacefully July 24, 2023, at Newton Wellesley Hospital after a long journey with multiple illnesses. Cathy resided in Needham, MA for 49 years where she developed many deep and cherished friendships. Most recently Cathy resided at North Hill Retirement Community. Cathy was born in Philadelphia, PA the fourth child of Kathryn and Edward Fitzpatrick. She attended Little Flower High School. Cathy married her husband, James I. Gillespie in 1955.
Cathy is survived by her four children - James (Deborah) from Kennett Square, PA; Kathleen Hennelly from Cinnaminson, NJ; Michael (Paul Braswell) from Watertown and John (Kristen) from Wayne, PA. She is also survived by four grandchildren - Rebecca Rozakis (Charles) from Jersey City, NJ; James (Amy) from Plymouth; Meghan Hennelly (Richard Williams) from Newton and Timothy Hennelly (Taylor) from Oxford, England; four great-grandchildren - Alex, Finn, Teddy and Jack as well as a sister Mary Fitzpatrick from Mount Laurel, NJ. She is predeceased by her beloved husband James Gillespie; a brother Edward Fitzpatrick and a sister Joan Fitzpatrick.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9:00-10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment and a celebration of life will take place in Philadelphia later in the fall.
Cathy cherished every moment of her life and lived it to the fullest. She will be missed and always remembered by many. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Newton Wellesley Hospital Infusion Center, 214 Washington St., Newton, MA 02462.