Jefferson – Dana A. Catarius, 53, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her husband and daughters on May 13, 2024, at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.
Born and raised in Westborough MA, Dana was the daughter of Richard D. and the late Jean M. (Kilderry) Pedone. Dana attended high school at Notre Dame Academy where she made countless lifelong friends. She then continued her academic journey at St. Joseph’s College in Maine, earning her undergraduate degree, and later pursued her master’s at Assumption College. In 1996, she married her soulmate, Fred Catarius, marking the start of a love story that would have celebrated its 28th year this year.
Dana’s heart was a haven for kindness. After college, she immersed herself in the world of nurturing students as a School Counselor, starting her career in North Brookfield. She then dedicated an incredible 27 years to Fales Elementary School in Westborough where she was an integral part of the Fales family.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, George “Fred” Catarius; her cherished daughters, Sarah M., and Holly A. Catarius of Jefferson; her father, Richard Pedone and his fiancé, Diane Maloney of Lexington; her brother Richard Pedone and his wife Cheryl of Hingham; her brother-in-law, David Catarius and his wife, Tracy of Shrewsbury; her mother and father-in-law, Jerry and Judy Roosa of Shrewsbury; and her beloved nieces and nephew, Amelia and Hannah Pedone and Matthew and Lexi Catarius. She was predeceased by her dear mother Jean.
Family and friends were Dana’s anchor; raised in an Italian household, she was accustomed to gatherings full of love and laughter and lots of food. She found solace at the beach and cherished moments on her father’s boat, the “Dana A”. Dana’s compassion extended even to the furry members of her family, as she embarked on training the beloved family dog Quinn, to be a therapy dog. She also found joy in scrapbooking, crafting, and the art of rock painting (she was always working on projects for others). In her final act of courage, Dana gifted life through organ donation.
Friends and family are invited to honor Dana’s vibrant spirit during calling hours on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 4 to 7 PM at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian burial will follow on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson, followed by a graveside service at Grove Cemetery, Holden.
Per the request of Dana and her family, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors to celebrate the life of someone who made every moment brighter. Additionally, her daughters have requested that guests come with a favorite memory or story to share about Dana to be written within a notebook that will be at the calling hours. They look forward to being able to learn and hear more about their mom’s incredible life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations to be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or the American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.
