Mary Caroline (Gilbert) Katomski

Woodstock, VT
 

Mary Caroline Gilbert Katomski, 97, passed away on October 28, 2017 at Woodstock Terrace, Woodstock, VT.  She was born on August 3, 1920 in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, daughter of Eugene D. Gilbert and Mary Campbell Gilbert. 

Her childhood was spent in Windsor, VT, where she resided with her parents and eight siblings.  She enjoyed school and was active as co-editor of the school newspaper, student council, debate team and tennis team.  She was the DAR representative of the Windsor High School class of 1939. 

Upon graduation she was employed in the Traffic Department of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where she remained until January of 1943.  She and Charles Katomski were engaged in 1942.

In 1943, she entered the Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing in Boston.  Inspired by the work of Lilian Wald at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, in her senior year she enrolled in courses at Simmons College, studying Public Health and Visiting Nursing.  After graduation, she worked for several years in Boston’s North End and loved every minute of it. 

On February 1, 1947, she and Charles Katomski were married in Windsor, VT, after he had returned from the war in the Pacific.  They lived in Boston until he completed his accounting degree at Bentley College.

They lived most of their married life in upstate New York, Connecticut, and Long Island.  She left nursing for 15 years to raise a family, parenting 7 children: Charles Jr. (deceased), Mary Bentley (Brian Bentley), Anne Katomski, mother of Charlotte Charbono (Jason Charbono II, and Jason III and Emma Charbono) and Theresa Weimann (Philip Faiella II, and Nahimiana and Philip Faiella, III), John Katomski (Susanne Callahan, and Anna Sophia and Ian Katomski), Catherine Katomski (Judd Mulkerin), Elizabeth Katomski (Markus Ehrlich), and Stephen Katomski (Ellen Katomski, and Mychal and Victoria Katomski).

She returned to nursing after leaving to raise her family, and worked for many years as a Visiting and Maternity nurse in Hartford, CT, Buffalo, NY, and Schenectady, NY.  While living in Huntington, Long Island she started an elder care program in her local parish. Children and education were important issues for her; she was always involved in community educational projects wherever she lived.  She enjoyed nature, reading, singing, swimming, cooking, knitting and sewing for her children and grandchildren.

Charles and Mary moved to Newport, NH upon retirement in 1983.  Since 2012, they have lived at Woodstock Terrace, in Woodstock, VT.  In Newport she was active in St. Patrick’s church as a religious education instructor, lector, and Eucharistic minister.  She always continued volunteer work visiting the sick in their homes.

Mary lived a full and active life, devoted to her family and committed to her faith and her work as a nurse and member of her community.  She had a gift for taking people as they are and helping them find a way to heal.  Her home was filled with welcome, warmth, good food, and good spirit.  We are all grateful for her love, care, and life of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry in Claremont, NH, or to a charity of your choice.

Viewing  Hours will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church,  32 Beech Street, Newport, NH on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 11:00 am.

Burial will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy Schenectady Road (Route 7), Schenectady, NY, on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

 Service Information