Catherine P. (Hurley) Pouche, of Everett, passed away after a brief illness on October 3rd, 2023 at the age of 97. She was born in Boston and educated in Everett and Malden.  She met Joseph R. Pouche while working as an operator (disc jockey) for Boston Wired Music. They were married for seventy-three years before Joe passed in January of this year. Together they raised two children, Jan and Debbie, in Everett, MA.

"Kay", as she was known by family and friends, blazed her trail as a married working woman in the 1950's when it was uncommon. She was head of Patient Registration at Whidden Memorial hospital (now CHA Everett Hospital) for almost forty years.  She was known as a force. She loved a good sale and shopping at the original Filene's Basement.  Every year, she would take her girls out to lunch and shopping for the school year ahead. Her attention to fashion never waned even as she aged.

She was proud of her Irish heritage, spoke often of being from good "Newfie stock", and wore green because it was her "fighting color." Irish folk music was a constant for her. She took flying lessons towards her pilot's license. She spent summers at the family cottage in Milton, N.H. She could often be found by the water, sun hat and sunglasses on, in a beach chair reading. She enjoyed the early works of Ian Fleming and books by James Patterson.  Kay was also a talented artist who created beautiful still life oil paintings.

Once retired, winters were spent in Clearwater, Florida. Joe made the drive with his "bride" and mapped out their stops to always include a stay in New Orleans. Kay loved a good beignet from Café DuMonde or a muffaletta sandwich. Not only did Kay love road trips to Florida or up the Kancamagus for leaf peeping season she also enjoyed her visits to Italy, Ireland, and Arizona. Kay prided herself on her kindness and compassion to all animals. There wasn't a stray she didn't feed or provide shelter to. Most of her animals were rescued from the street or adopted from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA.

She was "Nana" to Jen and Greg. She made sure to prepare their favorites at the holidays; cheese potatoes, beer cheese dip, chocolate delight bars, and seafood chowder.  She took them on their first trip outside of the U.S. to Quebec, Canada. She taught Jen the importance of working hard for what you want and dessert was a must at the end of the day. Greg learned everything is better with cream cheese on it, especially Fig Newtons. Kay loved to gather at her kitchen table with a mug of tea in hand, flipping through magazines or chatting with family; summers a cool glass of fresh brewed iced tea with milk. As Matriarch, Kay instilled values of independence, not suffering fools gladly, and always being an advocate for yourself and family.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Jan Schmid and two grandchildren: Jen Pouche-McDevitt and her husband Sean, and Greg Schmid. She also leaves behind saddened extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, her daughters, Catherine and Debbie and son, Rick Schmid. There will be no services. If you feel so inclined, kindly consider a donation to the Northeast Animal Shelter: northeastanimalshelter.org.

"May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."