Catherine Beach

PORTLAND — Catherine D. Beach, 89, of Portland, died on Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Maine Medical Center, with her family by her side.

She was born in Conway, N.H., on Feb. 24, 1926, the daughter of Hulda and Walter Lewis. She was married to her loving husband Kenneth G. Beach for 59 years.

Cathy was raised in Fryeburg. She was one of five children and loved to recount stories of being raised on a farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Fryeburg Academy and Westbrook Junior College. After college, she was employed as a bookkeeper at Stearns Company in Portland and at First Portland Bank. While raising her children, she worked part-time at Cronkite Insurance Agency.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, where she served in nearly every capacity as a tireless volunteer. She was active in the Stewardship Committee, Altar Guild, St. Hilda’s Guild, and chairing the annual church fair. She never missed a church supper, where she arrived early to work and was the last to leave. She was a member of the Woodfords Club. She volunteered at local nursing homes and soup kitchens. When her children were young, she was active in the PTA and as a Girl Scout troop leader. She was truly happiest in the service of others. She and Ken were recognized as a couple for lifelong service to the church as recipients of the Ruth Barnard Award in 2012.

She derived great joy from simple pleasures like taking rides in the country, sitting by the ocean, and watching the sunset. She instilled an appreciation of these in her family. She loved to walk along Crescent Beach and Baxter Boulevard. Cathy loved music and theatre and was a talented organist. Weekly bridge games with her friends also brought her many hours of enjoyment — especially when she won!

Cathy’s greatest joy was time spent with family. She devoted extraordinary attention to making every holiday and family event special. She loved taking family trips to the mountains, especially in the autumn. She cherished being with her grandchildren and would not miss a game, performance, school event or ceremony. Her love for them, and pride in them, was endless!

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ken of Portland; her daughters Pam Gilbert of Biddeford and Robyn Dixon of Portland; three adored grandchildren; her nieces and their families.

She was predeceased by her siblings Abigail, Charlotte, Charles and Richard.

Cathy was an extraordinarily loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who made a difference in the lives of all who knew her.

Visitation was held on Friday evening, April 3, 2015, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Avenue, Portland. Interment will be in the spring at Riverside Cemetery in Yarmouth. Online condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Cathy’s memory to Trinity Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.