Catherine Monroe

SOUTHBRIDGE – Catherine M. (McCormick) Monroe, 83, of Pine Ridge Rd., died Monday, March 16, in Radius Nursing Home, surrounded by her family.  Her husband, Dr. Ralph C. Monroe, died in 1996.  She leaves three sons, Ralph Douglas Monroe, of Elmer, NJ, Bruce J. Monroe, of Carolina Beach, NC, and David C. Monroe, of Sturbridge; one daughter, Barbara M. Paglierani, of Marstons Mills, MA; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild, with another great-grandchild due soon, and several nieces and nephews.

She was born on May 30, 1925, in Batavia, NY, the daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Eustance) McCormick, and grew up in upstate New York.  She graduated from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, with a degree in Nursing in 1945.  She worked as an RN in the maternity ward at Harrington Hospital for over 25 years, serving several years as the charge nurse.  She served as President of the Southbridge Women’s Club and on the Women’s Auxillary at Harrington Memorial Hospital.  In earlier years, she supported the Southbridge High School Band Boosters.  She was also active in the Ecumenical Council of Churches. 

She and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively in their RV, sightseeing, and dining on homemade gourmet meals.  She loved houseplants, especially African violets.  She enjoyed reading, bird watching, and watching game shows.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated church member.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, March 21, at the Sturbridge Federated Church, Main St., Sturbridge.  Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home is directing arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sturbridge Federated Church, Mission Fund, Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566 or to National Public Radio, 635 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.  A guestbook and video tribute is available online at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.

Please click the following link to view the video tribute

http://memorial.yourtribute.com/catherinemonroe/