Catherine Rose Stoddard, 72

ADAMS, Mass. —  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Catherine (Cathy) Rose Stoddard, 72, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, on Jan. 18, 2023, at Hartford Hospital after a short illness.

She was born in Nottingham, England to Horst and Rose (Taylor) Blaschke on July 11, 1950. She married her husband of 51 years, David Stoddard, in Berlin Germany, not once but twice, on June 18th, 1971 and June 26th, 1971 under American and German law. Upon David’s discharge from the military, they moved back to the states where Cathy became an American citizen. On May 5th, 1973, they welcomed their one and only daughter Yvette Rose. In 1997 and 2001, she was present for the births of both of her granddaughters Alexis Catherine and Paityn Mackenzie.

Cathy loved to take trips with Dave on the trike, travel back home to Germany and England to visit her family, and took both of her granddaughters to Europe for their 16th birthdays. Her love for her family was so deep and pure that even an extreme fear of flying did not prevent her from staying connected with her family overseas or creating lasting memories with her daughter and grandchildren. She was strongly devoted to her family and friends and always made time for all she touched.

Throughout her life, Cathy worked as a personal care attendant. She spent countless hours with individuals caring for their most basic needs or being with them in their final moments on Earth. She was comforting and nurturing to all and often the first many would call when an aging relative or friend needed her caring approach.

Cathy and Dave spent all of their free time together and were rarely seen apart. They cherished their time visiting friends, and taking day trips for a picnic or weekend getaways. They have a strong love for one another and it showed in all that they did for each other throughout their years together. Cathy loved her family deeply and never missed an opportunity to demonstrate her love and concern for others. All us girls received a text or call every Monday letting us know mom/Oma was thinking about us and wishing us a good week. Her “girls” were her world and she never missed any opportunity to support us or see us. She also had many long-lasting friendships that she continued to maintain through weekly shopping trips or visits after church.

Cathy is survived by her husband David, her daughter Yvette, and granddaughters Alexis and Paityn. She is also survived by her sister Rosemarie, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins in England. Cathy was predeceased by her parents Horst and Rose Blaschke and her sister Annette.

Cathy's life was one of deep gratitude, compassion, and love. She has left a void that we are not sure how to fill but we will do our best to keep her memory and spirit alive in all that we do. May she rest in peace and be forever remembered in our hearts.

Calling hours will be held on February 17th, 2023 from 2-5pm at Trottier-Pringle Funeral Home 6 Summer St. Adams, MA. The family will organize a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Shriners Children's Hospital through the funeral home.