Mrs. Catherine Gallagher Morse
Catherine Gallagher Morse, 90, of Hamden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on June 30th, 2013 in the Hospital of St. Raphael. Catherine was the widow of Hugh Morse. She was born in New Haven on August 25, 1922, daughter of the late John & Susan McDermott Gallagher. Catherine is survived by her daughter, Judith A. Morse of Madison, WI; her sons, David H. Morse & his wife Beverly of Wallingford and Richard A. Morse & his husband Norman Jones of Orange; grandchildren, Katelynn E. Morse, Kerri W. Hilton & Connor D. Morse & her brothers, John J. Gallagher of Stratford & Thomas P. Gallagher of Jamestown, NC. She was predeceased by her son Robert S. Morse. She attended St. Francis Catholic School in New Haven and was valedictorian, and graduated from West Haven High School. She graduated with a Bachelors in Education from New Haven State Teachers College and went on to teach 1st grade in the West Haven School System and later was a substitute teacher in the Hamden School System. Catherine was a bookkeeper for the New Haven Teachers Federal Credit Union, worked in the Finance Department at St. Raphael Hospital and later volunteered over 17 years there. Catherine was active in the Woman's Guild and taught Religious Education at Ascension Church. She also was a long-time volunteer for the CT Cystic Fibrosis Association. Friends may visit with her family at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Tuesday, July 2, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM and may attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Ascension Church, 1040 Dunbar Hill Rd, Hamden. Interment will follow in All Saint's Cemetery, North Haven. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CT Chapter, 101 Centerpoint Dr, Suite 107, Middletown, CT 06457
Dear David, Jude and Richard, Aunt Catherine will always have a special place in our hearts. We fondly remember our visits and regret that after moving to North Carolina we couldn’t visit more often. Our thoughts are with you all, The Hayworths – Carol (Gallagher), Doug, Megan & Emily
Dear Jude, David and Richard, I am so very, very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother Catherine. My mother also sends her condolences as she said to me .Catherine was such a beautiful person.. I remember, so vividly, the beautiful long talks I joyfully shared with your mother, throughout my childhood at your house. Every time I left the house I could only say to myself ‘what a kind, gentle and warm heart Mrs. Morse has’ and would walk away with the kindness she filled in my heart! After all these years, recently, I had another opportunity to speak to her over the phone and I still felt the warm-hearted kindness as I always did. It was a comfort to speak to her again as she extended her sympathy…. She will definitely be missed by so many as her light shines on in the hearts of those that knew her …. her beautiful smile and kindness will always be remembered …. forever …. Lovingly,
Dear Jude: My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
I am so sorry to hear about Catherine. I worked with her at Saint Raphael’s and was always happy to see her when she decided to volunteer after her retirement. She was always kind and was truly a pleasure to know. She will be missed by all of us. With sympathy, Martha Judd
Many prayers and thoughts are with you Jude, and your entire family coming to you from Wisconsin. It is amazing how many people are touched by one person. Both from knowing you and the stories that you have shared about yourself and the wonderful memorial in the obituary it is very obvious that your mom touched many lives. If there is anything that I can do for you, please let me know. Sincerely, mm