Catherine A. MacKenzie, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Holyoke Medical Center with family by her side.  Born on September 2, 1948 to Genevieve (Wotanowicz) McGrath.  Cathy grew up in South Hadley, graduating from South Hadley High School in 1966.  She worked for many years at Hampshire National Bank before leaving the work-life to become a stay at home mother.  She loved attending her weekly quilting class with her cousin JoAnne at Home Information in Holyoke, MA.  Once her children became of school age, she returned to the work force as a paraprofessional in the South Hadley School system.  Her kind, patient and understanding personality made her a favorite not only to the students, but to the many friends she worked alongside.  Cathy retired in 2009 so she could care for her first-born granddaughter, Mackenzie, creating a bond that will last her a lifetime.  Vacations in Maine, walking the Marginal Way with her friend Mary, playing board games, and eating pizza at Roberto's restaurant were some of her favorite things to do and always put a smile on her face.

Catherine is predeceased by her high school sweetheart and love of her life, husband, Donald R. MacKenzie, who passed in 2021. She leaves behind her 2 children, Brian MacKenzie and wife Leslie of East Longmeadow, and Amy Smith and husband Matt of Chicopee, and three grandchildren Mackenzie and Asher Smith, and Scarlett MacKenzie whom were the light of her life.  She also leaves behind her brother and sister in-laws Joan and Ken McKenna, Shirley and Ray MacKenzie and James O'Connell, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held for Catherine at O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 lamb St. S. Hadley, MA on Thursday, November 14th from 9-10:30 am. Following the calling hours, the funeral will be held at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley at 11am. Burial to follow in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org/donate. For more information, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com