Catherine V. Birkmaier

Catherine V. (Witham) Birkmaier – 95, of Reading, formerly of North Andover and North Reading, died Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Winchester Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late William B. Birkmaier.

Born in Ipswich, MA on December 18, 1921. She was the daughter of the late Zebulon and Annie (Comeau) Witham.

She was a graduate of Reading High School. She worked as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher for the North Reading School System. Kay’s life was all about love for God family and friends. Her home was always open to all. Her children and grandchildren were the joys of her life. She enjoyed swimming, walking, gardening, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, playing cards, Scrabble and baking goodies for all. She was a member of St. Michael Church in North Andover and a former member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading, where she was a former CCD teacher for many years. Kay also was a Girl Scout Leader in North Reading.

Family members include sons, William Bradford Birkmaier, Jr., USN Retired and his wife Laura, the late Karl Joseph Birkmaier and his late wife Ursula Jezierski, the late Mark Hunter Birkmaier and his wife Kristin Davis; daughters, Lynne Heywood and her husband Ed, and Lori O’Rourke and her husband Jim;  sister, Pat Patterson Crosby, late brothers, Fred, Eddie and Charlie Witham; late sisters, Rose Chaput, Polly Baron, Alice Boudreau, Margaret Crosby and Louise Fortunato; grandchildren, William Bradford, Birkmaier, III, Sherry Eva Calderon, Cristina Maria Birkmaier, Kristen Sponring, Dr. Richard Heywood, Jonathan Heywood, Sacha Cote, Matthew Birkmaier, Pamela Boesch, Stephanie O’Rourke, Shannon O’Rourke;  great grandchildren, Skyler and Liam Birkmaier, Oliver Butrymowicz, Nicolas and Luca  Calderon, Zachary, Joshua and Payton Sponring, Ella, Ned and Madison Heywood, Hunter Heywood, Dylan and Emma Cote, James and Ellinor Boesch.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 13 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street in North Andover. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to:  St. Michael Parish, 196 Main St., North Andover, MA 01845, North Reading Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

9 thoughts on “Catherine V. Birkmaier

  1. I am so sorry for your loss- I remember your Mom and Dad so fondly in my younger days when I lived down the street – she was always welcoming to me in your home- probably wished I would go home some days !!!! Thoughts and prayers to you all

  2. So sorry for your loss. Mrs B was a second mother to me. Always so loving and compassionate. So great to me after the loss of my mother at a young age, could always get a hug when I needed it. Loved the Chex mix she made, she remembered, still brought me some on Christmas every year, even when I was in my fifties. Mrs. B you were the BEST, I’m so grateful for having you in my life. All my love. CJ Bonfanti

  3. Dear Lori, Jim and family,
    I have such fond memories of your mom. She was such a sweet and kind woman. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

  4. To all of the family my most sincere condolences. As my good friend Lynne’s mother, she was always so welcoming, and such a sweet wonderful woman. I’m sure she will be very missed by all.

  5. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. God promises to be close to the brokenhearted.PS 34;18. I hope you find comfort in God’s promise & in the many wonderful memories you made & shared together. You have my condolences.

  6. We are very sorry for your lost, your mother was such a really nice, sweet person. She treated everyone with kindness and respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

  7. Our deepest condolences to the family. Kay was a dear neighbor and lovely person. God bless and bring peace to you all. John & Lorraine Silvia

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