GREENLAND, NH - Catherine A. “Cathi” (Smecker) Hersom, 54, wife of Cris Hersom, of Greenland, NH, died Friday afternoon at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, NH, following a long illness.
Born in Beverly, MA, she was the daughter of Jessica (Galik) (Smecker) Prue of Groveland, MA and the late Joseph R. Smecker. Raised and educated in Salem, MA she was a graduate of St. James High School in 1971 and resided in the Salem & Peabody area until moving to the Seacoast area over 20 years ago.
Prior to her retirement due to illness, she worked as a book keeper for many years and had been employed for a period of time by the town of Exeter, NH.
In her years in the Seacoast area, she attended St. James Church in Portsmouth, and later the Greenland Community Church, where she was active with WOW, a bible study group. Cathi was an active volunteer for many years and gave much time and talent helping people through many organizations. Her volunteer work included her membership in the Newburyport Lions Club and work with many groups including the Greenland Food Pantry, The Seacoast Newcomers Group, The Seacoast Christian Women’s Group, The Stonecroft Bible Group and Operation Blessing in Portsmouth. She was also active with several internet prayer groups, extending her support and compassion to people well beyond her local area.
Besides her mother, and her husband Cris, with whom she shared ten years of marriage, she is survived by a son, William J. Foustoukos of Amesbury, MA, a daughter, Cathryn Anne Foustoukos of Salisbury, MA, a step-son, Eric C. Hersom of Philadelphia, PA a brother, Frank J. Smecker, Sr. of S. Barre, VT, a sister, Susan J. Harvey-Gross and her husband Norman Gross of W. Newbury, MA an uncle, Douglas Burton of Kittery, ME, a niece, Aida Gross of W. Newbury, MA 2 nephews, Joseph Smecker and Frank Smecker, Jr., both of S. Barre, VT and many people whose lives were touched by her giving, comfort and support. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her step-father, Stewart Prue.
Her funeral service will be held Friday, August 24, 2007 at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, MA, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St. Thomas The Apostle Church, on Route #114 on the Salem/Peabody line. Visiting hours are Thursday, 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., P.O. Box 631047, Baltimore, MD 21263-1047. For on-line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.