STETSON – Catherine “Kay” Marcoux, 94, passed away quietly in her sleep at Maine General Hospital on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in the early morning with family at her side. She was born April 16, 1928 in Cambridge, MA, a daughter of Francis and Christine (Morrill) Murnane. 

Kay was a feisty, loving woman who “never met a stranger”. She would strike up a conversation with everyone she met. She truly wanted to get to know them! She will be fondly remembered for this remarkable ability to let people know they were cared about and seen. The world has truly lost a caring and kind woman. She was a communicant of Our Lady of The Snows Parish, St. Agnes Church, Pittsfield.

In addition to her schooling, Kay began taking classical piano lessons. Her talent and skills grew, and music was one of the many passions in her life. This love of music was equal only to her love of her many rescued black labs. Then, there were books! She was an avid reader of both print and on her Nook. Under Kay’s guidance, the Stetson Public Library grew from a back room to a lovely, light-filled space, enticing readers of all ages. She was a whiz with jigsaw puzzles and the Sunday crossword puzzle. 

In the 1980’s, Kay moved her mother to her new home, built on land given to her by her brother, John Murnane in Stetson. It was there in Stetson that Kay met her dearest friend Carolyn Merrill and her family, along with Debbie Stevens. Kay and Carolyn “ran the roads”, had many adventures locally as well as two cross-country car trips to Kansas. 

Kay concluded her career at the University of Maine in Orono. There she helped many students navigate the college experience with knowledge and humor. A few years after retirement, she moved to Seton Village in Waterville to be nearer to her family, cousin Charlie and wife Sue Morrill, Jr., and cousin-in-law Sally Harwood. Kay thrived in Seton Village, meeting her neighbors, serving on the Seton Village Board, and attending all functions. She even celebrated her milestone 90th birthday in style at the Seton Community Center. Everyone was invited and she took time to speak to all her attended.

Both Kay and her mother were long-time patients of Dr. John Baker in Newport. He took excellent professional care of Kay’s health, and a visit was not complete without some banter back and forth, as well as questions about his family and garden. Thank you, Dr. Baker!

This obituary would not be complete without thanking Gina Boudreau, who faithfully drove Kay round trip three times per week to dialysis in Fairfield for over five years. Gina and Kay became “family”. Gina not only took Kay on fun adventures but helped cook for her and did her laundry. One of the most special gifts Gina give Kay was to introduce her to Helen Jose, also in her 90s. Helen and Kay met weekly to work on puzzles, play cards and go out to eat, proving that true friendship can bloom at any age! 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 238 Detroit Avenue, Pittsfield, with Deacon David Denbow officiating. Spring burial will be in the Clark’s Hill Cemetery, Stetson. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal. Those who wish may leave written condolences at http://www.CrosbyNeal.com.

In lieu of flowers,

please give a kind smile and say “Hi!” to someone you don’t know.