Catherine M. Duggan

Catherine M. Duggan died peacefully on July 25th at the Health Center of the Willows in Worcester.  She was 100 years old. She is survived by daughters Mary Kate Thompson (Michael) of Maryland, Martha Duggan of Virginia, Christina O’Donnell (Michael) of California and sons John (Mary Beth) of Worcester and Christopher (Deb) of Newton, MA.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  For 65 years, she shared a wonderful marriage with the late Dr. John A. Duggan.

Catharine was born in Cambridge, MA, a daughter of the late John J. and Emma (Smith) McQueeney.  She graduated from Emmanuel College and received an M.S. in Social Work from Simmons College.  She pursued a career in social work at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The state of New Jersey and Catholic Charities of Worcester.  In addition to raising five children, she was an active volunteer at social agencies involved with childhood issues.  For many years she enjoyed refinishing antiques at the Worcester Center for Crafts.  She was an avid tennis player and a member of the Worcester Tennis Club.  She and her late husband enjoyed travel to many foreign countries, and they welcomed visitors from across the globe into their home. 

She was a woman of strong faith and belonged the Blessed Sacrament Church for all the years she lived in Worcester.  At Blessed Sacrament, she was a member of the parish council, a CCD teacher and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The family would like to thank Catherine’s many friends and caregivers at the Willows, who made her last days comfortable and peaceful. 

On Friday, August 2, friends may visit with the Duggan family from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in the church.  Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine’s memory to Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing funeral arrangements.