Catherine A. Desmarais

WINCHENDON – Catherine A. (Mitchell) Desmarais, 63, of Winchendon, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, June 19, 2022 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

She was born in Winchendon on January 7, 1959, daughter of the late Richard E. and Marjorie M. (White) Mitchell Sr. and lived in Winchendon for most of her life.  Cathy was a 1977 graduate of Murdock High School and earned her Bachelors’ Degree and Masters’ Degree in Special Education from Fitchburg College.

Cathy was a special education teacher in the Winchendon School System for many years until her retirement in 2020.  She was well loved by her students, whom she kept in touch with, following her retirement.  Cathy was an active member of Winchendon Lions Club and was a recipient of the coveted Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award and Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.  Additionally, Cathy was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Inferno Ladies and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Cathy enjoyed boating, reading, working on puzzles, watching murder mysteries and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

She leaves her husband of 44 years, Mark E. Desmarais; three children, Danielle Antonellis and husband Mike of Winchendon, Seth Desmarais and wife April of Jaffrey, NH and Megan Desmarais of Jaffrey, NH; three grandchildren, Evelyn Desmarais, Logan Desmarais and Alyson Antonellis; one brother, Richard F. Mitchell Jr and wife Christine of Cape Neddick, ME, as well as nieces and nephews.  A brother, Marc W. Mitchell, preceded her in death.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 4 to 8 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.

Burial will be Monday, June 27, 2022 in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts https://www.specialolympicsma.org

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com

Kevin J. Mack, Douglas M. Stone and Walter C. Taylor, directors.