Catherine A. Drudi
January 15, 1919 — April 19, 2011
WINCHENDON: Catherine A. (Joseph) Drudi, 92, of 32 Central Street, a long time local business owner, died peacefully Tuesday, April 19 th , at her residence.
She was born in Winchendon on January 15, 1919, one of seven children of the late Solomon and Sada M. (Tobias) Joseph, and was a resident of Winchendon for most of her life.
Catherine was the owner of M. Joseph Fruit and Confectionary Store for many years. The store celebrated its 100th anniversary last summer, which was attended by many local dignitaries and friends. She previously worked for the Department of Social Services in CT and taught speech for 16 years at Murdock High School until her retirement in 1985. Catherine also worked at the former Gardner Manor Nursing Home helping patients with their speech. She spoke fluent Arabic as well as English.
Catherine was a 1937 graduate of Murdock High School and a 1941 graduate of Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee. She received her Bachelor of Art Degree in 1943 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1950 from Catholic University of America in Washington. During World War Two, Catherine did rehabilitation work for veterans in CT before returning to Winchendon. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Her husband of 44 years, Dino J. Drudi Sr, died in 1997. She leaves a son, Dino J. Drudi Jr of Washington DC. Her brothers and sisters, Fysall, Jeannette, Sasean, Louis, Fadallah and Cecilia Joseph, all predeceased her.
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 30 th at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Gardner Visiting Nursing Association Hospice , 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.