Catherine M. "Kitty" (Zukas) Grinke, 101, of Oakham died peacefully Friday June 2, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Anthony T. Grinke. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Anne St. Martin and Adele Zukas.
Kitty leaves her daughters, Diane M. Rochette wife of Paul Rochette of Oakham, MA with whom she lived, Kathleen A. Grinke of Stoneham, MA and Susan M. Bernier of Worcester; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Kitty graduated from Commerce High School and St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing where she received her R.N.
She was selected as the first candidate from New England for TWA as a Hostess for which you needed your R.N. She was a Senior Hostess on TWA flights throughout her career. Kitty then worked at Memorial Hospital Worcester as a Operating Room Supervisor until retirement. She was an avid swimmer and while working for TWA was awarded the “Around the World Swimmer Award” at the Hollywood Athletic Club. Kitty enjoyed her last years living in the country with her daughter Diane & husband Paul.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday June 6, 2017 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St, Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 A.M. in St. Patrick Church, 258 Main St, Rutland. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. A calling hour will be held on Tuesday June 6, 2017 from 9:15 – 10:15 AM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oakham Senior Center, 2 Coldbrook Rd, Oakham, MA. 01068.