Obituary: Catherine J. Manchester, 69

Catherine J. Manchester, 69, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 10, 2015 surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John R. and Phyllis (Yetman) Manchester.
Catherine was a self-employed florist and owner of Cathy’s Creations. She had worked as the executive secretary to the President of Kenney Manufacturing until 1985 before working as the administrative assistant to the Dean of Philosophy at the University of Rhode Island before retiring.
She enjoyed gardening, was a talented seamstress and an excellent cook. Catherine’s grandchildren were the loves of her life.She was often found pushing around trucks and building with Legos while wearing a tiara and princess socks…anything for a smile from her precious grandchildren.

Catherine was never knocked down during tough times, but rather grew stronger. She used that strength to love and inspire her family and friends, in the grandest way possible.

She leaves four children, Linda Toohey-Anderson of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Hesford, Jr. of Smithfield, Jennifer Greene of Exeter and Brian Hesford of North Kingstown; a brother, William Manchester; eleven grandchildren, Sara and Peter Toohey, Shane and Matthew Anderson, Robert, III and Derryck Hesford, Hudson and Cadia Greene, Olivia, Rachel and Nathan Hesford; and two great-grandchildren, Landon and Mackenzie Toohey.

Her funeral service will be held Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11am in the Living Hope Christian Church, 730 South County Trail, North Kingstown. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Tiverton. Visiting hours Sunday 2-5pm in the FAGAN-QUINN Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2374 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 will be appreciated.