News Summary
Catherine Cary, a cherished family matriarch from Falmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at age 89. Known for her love and dedication, she leaves behind a remarkable family legacy including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her vibrant life was filled with passions for skiing, tennis, and community service. A visitation will be held for friends and family to honor her memory.
Falmouth, Massachusetts – Catherine Cary, a treasured family matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on October 11, 2025. She was well-known for her dedication to her family, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Catherine was the beloved wife of the late David L. Cary, with whom she shared a remarkable 60 years of marriage.
Catherine is survived by three children: David Cary and his wife Kate, Catherine Bannan and her husband Kevin, and William Cary and his wife Lisa. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren—Cary, Tommy, Colin, Marykate, Brendan, Patrick, Madison, and John—and five great-grandchildren—Nora, Kit, Lily, Will, and Charlie. Furthermore, she is survived by her siblings: Jane Petzold, Ginny Mahoney, Bill Gilbane, and Helen Macdonald, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Catherine was predeceased by her sister and best friend, MaryLou Carolan.
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Catherine enjoyed a warm childhood surrounded by her siblings and cousins in both Providence and Saunderstown. She graduated from Elmhurst Academy before earning her degree from Manhattanville College in 1958. It was during a skiing trip in North Conway, New Hampshire, that Catherine met her future husband, David. The couple shared a passion for skiing, which they continued to indulge in well into their mid-70s.
In addition to skiing, Catherine was an enthusiastic tennis player and golfer, actively participating in these sports throughout her life. She was a long-standing member of several prestigious golf clubs, including Thorny Lea Golf Club, Naples Lakes Country Club, and Woods Hole Golf Club. Her dedication to the sport earned her numerous accolades and tournament victories.
Catherine was not only a devoted sports enthusiast; she also had a deep commitment to her community. She served as a trustee of Massasoit Community College and participated on the board of Brockton Credit Union. Her involvement in her local church, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, was significant as well, where she worked on the parish council and taught Sunday school.
The Cary family fondly remembers the vibrant gatherings at their home on Cape Cod, which were filled with laughter and love, prominently featuring the company of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Catherine’s remarkable circle of friends, which she accumulated from various phases of her life, including high school, college, ski slopes, and golf courses, contributed to her colorful and fulfilling existence.
Visitors wishing to pay their respects can attend a visitation on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chapman Funerals and Cremations in Falmouth. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Falmouth. Following the services, burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Falmouth.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org. An online guestbook and directions are available at www.chapmanfuneral.com.
Catherine Cary’s obituary was posted online on October 13, 2025, and was subsequently published in the Providence Journal. Her legacy will endure through those who loved her and the countless memories she cultivated over her long and fulfilling life.
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