Of Peabody, passed away on Tuesday, April 16th after an over 20-year journey with Alzheimer’s. Born in Medford on September 27, 1936, Catherine was a daughter of the late Christopher Sarno and Florence (Shanahan) Sarno.
A graduate of Medford High School, Catherine raised her family in Malden before moving to Peabody in 1984. Catherine enjoyed a career of teaching tennis at Northeast Tennis in Middleton, Woburn Racquet Club and Winchester Tennis, as well as having played competitively throughout New England. An incredible athlete, Catherine was also an avid golfer.
Catherine also served as President of the Catholics Mothers’ Club for several years.
Catherine loved to plan vacations, especially to Naples, Florida with her family and was blessed to have a close circle of friends with whom she created many wonderful memories. Catherine made the most out of life through both the good and challenging times.
Family meant the world to Catherine who is survived by her three children, Kathleen A. Higgins of Ipswich, MA, Susan M. Hughes and her husband John D. Hughes of Medford, MA and Thomas F. Higgins and his wife, Lynne M. DiStefano of Derry, NH.
She also leaves brothers, Robert Sarno and Joseph Sarno and sister, Deborah Mathews, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.
Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Joseph P. Higgins, her son, Joseph P. Higgins, Jr., brothers, John (“Buddy”) Sarno, Christopher Sarno and sister, Geraldine Sarno.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of The Atrium in Danvers where Catherine resided since August of 2020. Special note of gratitude to Suntarauvuth Thomas who nurtured a strong bond with our Mom from the moment she arrived at The Atrium; and to Martha Reinoso of the Care Dimensions hospice team who provided supportive care over the past few months through the end of her journey.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to a time of visitation on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 8:30 am to 9:30 AM at Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant Street, Malden, followed by her funeral Mass at 10:00 AM celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden. Services will conclude with burial at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in honor of Catherine’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.