Catherine “Cathy” T. Stevens, 90, of Worcester MA, passed away on May 4th, 2025 after a long, fulfilling life of love and caring, with her children at her side.
Cathy was born to Michael and Bridie (McCarthy) Tangney in Worcester, a member of a large and loving Irish Catholic family. After Cathy graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1952, she went on to study nursing at Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing.
She interrupted her studies to marry in 1955 and became a Mom to her four children while living in Connecticut.
In 1966 she became a single Mom and moved back to Worcester to raise her children with the help of her family. While working as a waitress, she went back to school and graduated with an associate degree in nursing from Quinsigamond Community College in 1969.
Cathy earned her bachelor’s of science degree from Worcester State University in 1976.
She earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Anna Maria College in 1984 and taught several nursing education courses at Anna Maria College. Cathy was a member of the International Association of Forensic Nursing.
Cathy worked at Worcester City Hospital, starting as a floor nurse working her way to Director of Nursing and helped close City hospital in 1993. She was recognized with a Key to the City for her leadership and service.
Cathy continued her career working as Hospital Administrator at Hale Hospital in Haverhill, MA before retiring.
Then this caring, giving woman continued helping people during her ‘retirement’ by volunteering at the Red Cross, maintaining her nursing license to assist people in need. Cathy received a certificate of appreciation in support of days following September 11, 2001 and helped many families impacted by fires and natural disasters locally and beyond.
In addition to the Red Cross, she volunteered for CASA (advocating for children whose families were in crisis) and also spending time as a hospice volunteer.
As her family grew, she enjoyed performing Tarot card readings, trips to Hampton Beach and Teddy Bear teas with grandkids. Cathy enjoyed being a ‘snow bird’ in Clearwater, Florida spending time with friends and family, some of whom moved there because of her. She was often our go-to family nurse caring for our injuries/illnesses. She attended several of her grandchildren or great grandchildren’s births.
Cathy also enjoyed golfing with her friends, the Divot Divas, and playing weekly Canasta card games.
Cathy was predeceased by her parents, and siblings, Marie Tangney, Eugene Tangney, Anna Darmody. She was predeceased by her 2nd husband Joseph Germain in 1989 and grandson Ryan Stevens in 2005.
She is survived by her children: Ann Joseph, David Stevens (Susan Stevens), Douglas Stevens (Lizabeth Stevens) and William Stevens. She is survived by her sister Eileen Valinski. Cathy is also survived by her 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She enjoyed her time with them and was lovingly referred to as ‘GG’. Cathy has many nieces, nephews and a large extended family who will miss her as well.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17th with a Mass at 10:00 am in Saint George's Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester. Please go directly to church. There are no calling hours. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Catherine Stevens to Abby’s House (https://abbyshouse.org) and Notre Dame Long Term Care - Activities Department (https://www.notredamehealthcare.org/donate/).
The family thanks the Notre Dame staff for their caring and compassionate support. Mom enjoyed many special relationships at Notre Dame.