Catherine E. Opgenorth

TEMPLETON: Affectionately known as "Kitty" by her family and friends, Catherine E. (Hanson) Opgenorth, 92, of Templeton, Mass., died peacefully in the Baldwinville Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wakefield, Mass., on June 9, 1917, the daughter of the late Arvid and Johanna (Erickson) Hanson and lived in Templeton for many years. After graduation from Gardner High School in 1935, Catherine's life revolved around home and family. She was known as a great cook and also enjoyed gardening, embroidery and crafts, reading, and many rousing games of pinochle and Scrabble. For many years she was a member of the former First Lutheran Church (now Faith Lutheran) in Gardner where she was an active member of Lutheran Church Women's groups including Katydids and Dorcas. She was a past secretary and board member of the former Templeton Women's Club. While she truly enjoyed all her friends and activities, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. With a large family to care for, Kitty and her husband, Ed, loved to go camping and hiking, play games and spend time at church. Her husband of 64 years, Edward F. Opgenorth, died in 2005. She leaves six children, Carol L. Majercik and her husband David of Westhampton, Jean E. Olsen of Tewksbury, Linda L. Kirstein and her husband Per of Upton, Mark E. Opgenorth and his wife Deborah of Fairbanks, Alaska, Joanne C. Opgenorth of Templeton and Timothy J. Opgenorth and his wife Julie of Madison, New Hampshire; eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. One sister, Esther Boody and four brothers, Carl, William, Erik and Harry Hanson, predeceased her. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM in Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner. A reception for family and friends will be held in the church hall following the funeral. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner at a later date. Calling hours at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Steeple Fund at Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440. www.stone-ladeau.com