Katherine Mary (Malone) Vandiford
1913-2007
Littleton-Katherine M. Vandiford, 93, of Littleton (formerly of Worcester), passed away quietly at home on April 7th surrounded by her her loving family. Her husband of 38 years, Oscar L. Vandiford, died in 1980. Two brothers, Francis and Thomas and her sister, Helen, predeceased Katherine. Her daughter and two sons also predeceased her. One son, David was killed in a sledding accident in 1962.
Katherine was born in Worcester to Michael P. Malone and Delia T. (Sullivan) Malone and attended Worcester schools. She was a graduate of the High School of Commerce, Class 1932A, and Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing, Class 1935A. After graduation, she worked as a public health nurse in Worcester and at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence; King’s County Hospital, NY. Long Island Hospital, NY and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. In 1941 she was commissioned a lieutenant in the US Army as an Army Registered Nurse and served in WWII.
She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing the organ and piano. She and Oscar cared for her exceptional son, Philip, at home for 37 years. She was a long-time member of St Stephen’s Parish, and also Saint Vincent’s Alumnae; the Worcester Area Association for Retarded Children. She was a 25-year member of the American Legion All Women’s Post No. 419. She worked as a private duty nurse at various Worcester hospitals for 14 years. She was a loving caregiver to her family, patients and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Katherine leaves a son, Lawrence, and his wife, Kathleen Vandiford of Littleton, three granddaughters, five grandsons and six great grandchildren.
Katherine’s wake and funeral were privately held from Callahan Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St, Worcester MA. The family expresses special thanks to the Affinity Hospice for Life of Burlington, MA.