Avid gardener with a fondness for nature
MELROSE — Catharine “Katy” Stepchin, age 73, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on July 15 at Salem Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Boston on March 29, 1952, Katy was the loving daughter of the late Joseph and Rita Donovan. She attended school at St. Columbkille’s in Brighton and later went on to attend Bentley University in Waltham.
Katy was an avid gardener, and not only took pleasure in her own garden, but also in taking long walks through the neighborhood to admire others’ gardens as well. She had a fondness for nature and loved watching the birds that called her gardens home.
Above all, Katy truly cared about those around her. A cherished employee of a local non-profit for over thirty years, she found joy in helping others. Anyone that has had the pleasure to know her, will know that she was one of the kindest, most caring people they could ever meet. She strove to make sure everyone around her knew that they were welcome and that they were loved. Although serious at times, Katy had a quick wit and laughed often. Nothing could make her smile more than watching the people she loved achieve success, no matter how small or large the accomplishment.
She is survived by her husband Richard Stepchin; her daughter Lizz Stepchin and her husband Cory Bailey; brothers Joseph Donovan, Patrick Donovan and Peter Donovan; and her sister Margaret Donovan; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Mary Janes; and brothers John Donovan and Christopher Donovan.
Visitation for relatives and friends were held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Sunday, July 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Her funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield on Monday, July 21 at 10 a.m. The burial was held Tuesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. at St Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford, ME. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asked that a donation be made in her name to ALK Positive Inc. Visit mcdonaldfs.com.