Cathleen Teresa Stark, 83, of Newtown, passed away on Sunday, July 13, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She had been diagnosed with cancer last October.

Cathie was born on November 27, 1941, in Holyoke, Mass., to Francis and Catherine Meehan.

Cathie grew up in South Hadley, Mass., attended local schools, and graduated from Framingham State College with a degree in Teaching. She began her career at Timothy Dwight grammar school in Fairfield (Conn.), and later taught at a missionary school in Houston, Tex., in addition to ELS here in Connecticut.

Cathleen was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers James and Francis Meehan.

She is survived by her husband, Walter; their children Kate Stark, Matthew (Tonya) Stark, Heather (James) Shanahan; her grandchildren Alina (Stark) Dighello and Jude Stark, Sophie and Connor Shanahan; and a great-grandchild, Evangeline Dighello. She is also survived by her brother Richard Meehan and family in Laguna Niguel, Calif., as well as many beloved family members.

She met her lifelong partner, Walter, at a Memorial Day party in 1964 and they were married in July 1966.

Cathie will best be remembered for her devotion to her husband and children for whom she gave so much love and energy. Moreover, she gave much encouragement and counseling to friends in need and helped them through their troubles. She was a lifelong volunteer and was very instrumental in getting a girl’s soccer program established at Newtown High School.

Cathie had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed music and art, loved puzzles, and was an avid reader. She also was the person we turned to for computer issues, TV problems and anything electrical. She loved being in Maine by the ocean, and spending time with her family and friends.

We were indeed blessed to have had her in our lives and look forward to when we can all be together. Faugh A Ballagh (an Irish farewell) to our dear Cathie, Mom, and Mimi.

The family will hold a visitation for Cathie at Honan Funeral Home in Newtown on Thursday, July 24, with calling hours between 6-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St Mary’s Church in Bethel on Friday July 25, at 11 am. Preceding the Mass, the family will be receiving friends and family at the Church, beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathie’s name to RVNA Health (Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association).