Catherine M. (O’Connor) Francis, 82, died in Woburn on Wednesday, August 2. Born in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late James P. and Mary A. (McCarthy) O’Connor. Raised and educated in Arlington, she graduated from Arlington High School with the class of 1941. She attended Salem State College and received her degree in education in 1945. Shortly thereafter, she began to teach first grade in Everett where she remained a dedicated instructor for over 40 years until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the MA Teachers Association and the Salem State Alumni Assoc.
Along with her late husband, Robert, Catherine made her home in Hamilton and Danvers prior to settling in Woburn.
She was the dear sister of Ann T. O’Connor of Arlington, Frederick P. O’Connor and his wife Jean of Woburn, Patricia B. Topping of Toronto, Canada, William P. O’Connor of Winchester and the late John P. O’Connor and Mary R. Harm. Catherine is also survived by her sister in laws, Shirley O’Connor of Woburn , Mildred Conlon of Marshfield and numerous nieces and nephews. Her Funeral will be held from the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester on Tues. Aug. 8th at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Barbara’s Church Woburn at 10AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be in the funeral home on Mon. from 4-7PM. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations in Catherine’s memory may be made to Boston Catholic Television, PO Box 9109, Newtonville, MA 02460.