Catherine F. Colclough

Catherine Frances Colclough, née Griffin, 85, previously of Hingham, MA, passed away in McLean, Virginia on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023.  She was born in Kiltulla, County Galway, Ireland on October 26, 1937 to Mary Anne “Babe” Griffin and Michael “Mic” Griffin, the second of six children.

At the age of 16, Catherine immigrated to Boston, MA living with dear friends and working as a children’s caretaker, while studying at night for her secretarial certification.  In the 1960’s, she proudly worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology supporting the NASA Apollo Space Program.

In 1972, she married her lifelong partner, Lindsley DeWitt Colclough, initially settling in Randolph, MA and later purchasing their home of over 40 years in the Liberty Pole neighborhood of Hingham, MA.  After her three boys graduated from college, Catherine went back to school for her associates degree leading to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant and fulfilling her lifelong calling as a helper to those in need.

Catherine poured out love and kindness to everyone she met. Her constant care and attention for others, would lead her to pick up little gifts or mementos – sure to charm the recipient on a birthday, holiday, or just because.  She remembered names, birthdays, and interests of friends down the road and relatives far away in Ireland.  She loved to keep busy – working outside in her garden while singing a familiar Irish song or visiting her many neighborhood friends.  Catherine never met a stranger and could stir up a “good chat” with loquacious ease.  She was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a regular parishioner at Resurrection Parish in Hingham, MA.

Catherine is survived by her three beloved sons Douglas, Gerard, and Joseph, their loving spouses Leigh, Yen, and Erin, her precious seven grandchildren, her dear sisters Sheila and Anne, many kind nieces and nephews, and countless close relatives.

A time for offering condolences and sharing of memories will be Friday Evening, June 2, from 5 to7PM at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 South Main Street, Pine Plains, NY 12567. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10AM from Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3 Mulberry Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Burial will follow in North Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, NY 12529 (adjacent to NH United Methodist Church 4 miles north on Rt. 22 beyond Hillsdale traffic light).

Special thanks to the staff at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes.  We will always carry your memory in our hearts.