Catherine Marie Hourican, 81, of Newtown, died peacefully August 13, at her home, surrounded by her loving children. Born March 5, 1937, in Queens, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Michael Hourican and Anne Sarah (Beirne) Hourican.

Mrs Hourican graduated from Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduated from the University of Dallas with a degree in theology.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs Hourican was known as a very special woman who loved life and enjoyed it to its fullest, whether it was touring Europe as a young person, participating in prayer and other groups at her church, supporting her children in their various activities, or spending time with her grandchildren. Her loved ones say she had a great and quiet inner strength, was imbued with an amazing spirit, and was always optimistic and supportive to all she encountered, despite many trying times in her life.

Mrs Hourican bravely fought the scourge of breast cancer. She celebrated her seven-year anniversary of being cancer-free with a cruise to Alaska with some of her children and grandchildren. Sadly, the cancer returned. She enjoyed several additional years following that second round, but when it returned the third time, it came with a vengeance. Even then, she fought it tenaciously right up to the very end.

Mrs Hourican was also entirely devoted to her faith in Christ and her love of God. She was active in her faith, which she practiced tirelessly, whether it was helping to lead the Saint John’s Prayer Group in Darien; leading a life in the spirit seminar; spending a retreat at My Father’s House; or simply bringing her children to Mass. She had a well-worn prayer chair with a dog-eared Bible sitting nearby. Friends of her children would comment that she was so easy to talk with because they knew where she was coming from, but never felt preached to. Mrs Hourican will live forever in the hearts and minds of the many family and friends she leaves behind.

Her four children and their spouses, William Carello, Peter and Michele Carello, Chris and Christina Carello, and Marianne Beirne; five grandchildren, William, Nanette, Patrick, Jack, and Matthew; her brothers, Michael Hourican, Thomas Hourican and his wife, Kathy, and James Hourican and his wife, Joan; and her sister-in-law, Pat Hourican, survive her. Mrs Hourican — known as “Aunt Kay” — will also be missed by her godchildren, nieces, nephews, and her many wonderful friends, whom she cherished so very much.

Her brother, John Hourican, predeceased her.

Friends and family may call Friday, August 17, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 18, at noon, at St Rose of Lima’s Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Interment will follow immediately at Saint Rose Cemetery, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the spiritual renewal and retreat center My Father’s House online at myfathershousect.org; or to FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown online at newtownfoodpantry.org.