Catherine G. (Hogan) Powers, 98, died peacefully on Sunday, March 21, 2021 after a full life sharing her memories and knowledge of history.

Kay was born in Schenectady, NY on January 22, 1923 to John and Grace (Fitzgerald) Hogan.   The family moved to Ashland in 1931 where she lived most of her life.  She graduated from Worcester State College in 1948 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She went on to teach kindergarten in the Needham Public Schools and then at Little Folk Farm in Framingham and Ashland.

Kay met Francis Powers, the love of her life, through friends and they were married in 1952.  She was the loving mother of John (Karen) of Silver Spring, MD, Thomas of Mechanicsburg, PA, Ellen Beals (Paul) of Oviedo, FL, and Catherine Chase (John) of Barre, MA.  She was grandmother to nine grandchildren and great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren and leaves many nieces and nephews who were so special to her.

They started their life together on Eliot Street. Then moved to their Fountain Street home, which was not only larger, but also filled with history.  Kay could tell you so many amazing stories about that home! She loved the history of her community which naturally brought her to the Ashland Historical Society.  For many years she wrote a column for their monthly newsletter, DIRECTIONS.  Both Kay and Frank served as President of the Society over the years.

Kay had a strong Catholic faith and was an active parishioner at St Cecilia's Church. For years, she and Frank were in the front pew at the 7am Mass each week.  Back in the 70's and 80's she helped with gathering sandwiches to send into the Pine Street Shelter in Boston.

Kay always enjoyed reading so it seemed natural that she became a braille volunteer for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind. Over the years she began to lose her vision and had to discontinue this work.

Kay genuinely enjoyed Ashland.  She and Frank were involved in so many activities in town.  The town must have noticed because in 1997 together they were named Citizen of the Year.  Such a great honor!

Kay was predeceased by her husband Francis Powers and her sister Marie Cahoon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecilia Church in Ashland on Saturday, March 27 ^th at 9:00am with burial to follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine's name to Ashland Historical Society P.O. Box 145 Ashland, MA 01721