Catherine L. DeCoste., 83, beloved wife of the late Charles Freeman DeCoste Jr. passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday evening March 28th 2012 surrounded by her family. She was a lifelong resident of Gloucester born on January 4, 1929. The daughter of the late Manuel E Brown and Ann (Littlefield) Brown.
Catherine or “Kay” as she was known to all grew up on Saddler St; she attended Gloucester schools and graduated from Gloucester High School. She later went on to nursing school which she had such a great passion for. Kay loved being a nurse but ended her nursing career after a tough experience. She never understood why it was so hard for children at that time to get the proper care they needed having such a hard time with dealing with this she chose to get out of the nursing field.
After her nursing career Kay became a stay at home mom. There was nothing that meant more to her then taking care of her children and home especially the painting; which she always made sure every room had a fresh coat of paint for the holidays. Once her children were old enough, and she had the opportunity to begin working again, she started work for the Gloucester school department as a lunch lady. Kay loved every day working in the school system. She was always putting a smile on the students faces and did all she could to keep them smiling. She made certain that the cafeterias (O’maley and GHS) were properly decorated for every holiday as she did with her own home.
She worked with many different people throughout her years and carried many fond memories she cherished so dearly. Kay always put everyone first, she always worried about everybody, friends, family, strangers, it didn’t matter who ever needed a shoulder or someone to lean on Kay was always there taking care of them. She worried so much about everybody else she carried a key chain that said “nervous wreck” on it, and that was her, always worried about the well being of everyone.
After retiring from the city, Kay could not have been any happier enjoying their home on the Mill River that she and Freemie spent many years completely rebuilding. She was so content living the retired life in her home she loved so dearly. Watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow up in her home and guiding them to be the people they are today is just where she wanted to be after retirement. Kay and Freemie always looked at the positive in life even during tough times they always kept strong. They had a great passion for dancing, if there was a party or outing and there was music Kay and Freem would be found on the dance floor. She will be fondly remembered for her generous golden heart and her love for her family. They shared 52 great years of marriage together.
She is survived by her three children. Dean DeCoste, Dana DeCoste and his fiancé Rhonda, and Denee Beal; seven grandchildren Danni Lee DeCoste wife of Francois Gomes, Dean DeCoste Jr, Derek DeCoste, Nicholas DeCoste, and Cameron DeCoste, Jackie Beal and Paul Beal Jr; Three great-grandchildren Emaleigh, Logan, and Cameron Gomes; Brother Manuel E. Brown and his wife Rose (Seigas) Brown of Orlando, FL and two sister-in-laws Janice Newman wife of Gene Newman and Arlene Hubbard wife of the late Donald Hubbard; and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: In keeping with Kay’s wishes, funeral services are private and there will be no visiting hours. Friends and family are cordially invited to the DeCoste family home 2 Hodgkins St, Gloucester on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St. Danvers, MA 01923.
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