It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Catherine (Ackley) Hespeler “Sis” on October 4, 2022. The daughter of John “Jack” Ackley Sr. and Alice Ackley, Catherine was born on August 10, 1931. Catherine was 91 years old.
Catherine was an exceptional wife and mother. In 1949, she met Theodore Hespeler at a Fitch High School dance. She married Ted, the love of her life, at the age of 20. In 2022, Catherine and Ted celebrated 70 years of marriage. She spent 40 of those years supporting Ted on the bleachers at Groton Little League games. Catherine was the mother of five children, and together, she and Ted worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their kids. She would proudly boast about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A lifelong native of Groton, Catherine was well-loved and respected in the community. She often made meals – including her famous “gramwich,” and arranged weekly flower bouquets for the church. She cared deeply for the welfare of her family, friends, and neighbors, and made sure every child who entered her home was safe, healthy, fed, happy, and loved. Her doors were always open to anyone and everyone. Catherine was driven by her compassionate instinct – not obligation. She radiated strength, warmth, and love, which you could feel with a simple touch of her hand.
Catherine was predeceased by her best friend and daughter Dina Umrysz, her brother Jack and sister-in-law Mary Ackley, brother-in-law Alan Lamb, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Guenther “Herb” and Anne Hespeler.
She is survived by her four siblings, Beverly and husband David Cook, Marion Lamb, Cal and wife Dawn Ackley, Susan and husband Richard Schmidtknect. She is survived by four children: Ted Jr. and wife Maryellen and their children, Ted III and Cara, Daniel and Katy, Michael and KC, James and Erin, and Tawnie and Bryce Carlson; Stephen and son Steven; Rich and wife Geri, and their children Katie and Jason Quinlan, Genevieve-Ashley Spitale, Susan and Robbie Isif, Jay, and Lucas; John and wife Luanne, and their children Tyler and Hope, Jessica, and Chloe; and son-in-law Lee Umrysz and son Tom and Pantea Umrysz; fifteen great grandchildren, Peyton Quinlan, Pyper Quinlan, Theo IV Hespeler, Marley Isif, Paisley Quinlan, Alahnna Hespeler, Grace Allard, Zachary Hespeler, Patrick Hespeler, Harper Allard, Sawyer Hespeler, Ariya Umrysz, Ruby Hespeler, Jackson Umrysz, and Lennon Hespeler. and many nieces and nephews.
Catherine's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, October 14, from 5 to 8pm at the Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church, 1241 Poquonnock Road, Groton. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 11:00am at the church. Burial will be private for the family.
Her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation https://www.komen.org/
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