Obituary: Catherine M. Zupkus

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Catherine Zupkus
Catherine Zupkus

Catherine M. Zupkus, proud mother, devoted grandmother, special education teacher and advocate, died Monday Jan. 18, peacefully at home, after a short illness. She has reunited with Clem, her husband of 47 years, in their long awaited home. 

Catherine McNamee Zupkus was born Feb. 9, 1933, in Greenwich, daughter of the late Sarah and John McNamee and was one of nine children. A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. As a married mother of four sons, she continued her education and earned her master’s degree in teaching from Southern Connecticut State University and her sixth-year degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. 

Catherine began her teaching career at Southington High School. After her son was diagnosed with learning disabilities, she pursued her graduate degrees with an emphasis on special education. She was a pioneer in the field working with the Waterbury school system to advocate for special education services. She retired from the Naugatuck school system after 30 years’ service. Upon her retirement, she continued her work in special education serving as an advocate for students in the foster care system. 

Catherine was a life-long learner and continually took classes offered at the UConn Waterbury branch. She enjoyed traveling and cruising with her late husband, family, and with her many friends.   She relished her time in the summer with family and friends “at the cottage” in Point Judith, Rhode Island. 

Catherine was an active volunteer and communicant of St. Margaret’s Church, in Waterbury.  She was an active member of St Margaret’s PTA, Holy Cross High School Mother’s Club and a volunteer for the Palace Theater. During her retirement, she continued as an educator by serving as a docent for the Mattatuck Museum. Catherine was a tireless volunteer and the co-founder, with Clem, of the St. Margaret-Willow Plaza National Revitalization Zone (NRZ) Association.

Catherine is survived by her four sons, Kevin A. and his wife, Janet, of Middlebury, and their children Natasha, John, and Timothy; Gregory J. and his wife state Rep. Lezlye of Prospect and their children Aizlyn, and Reagan; Thomas A. of Waterbury and James A., of Waterbury. Catherine would sometimes remind new mothers that “there’s a special place in heaven for the mother of four sons!”

She is survived by her brother Cornelius (Connie), and sister Mary, both of Greenwich, her sister Ann (Nancy) O’Leary of Meriden, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Gerald, Patrick, Brian, John (Jack) and sister Alice.

Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Holy Cross High School’s “Holy Cross Fund,” 587 Oronoke Road, Waterbury, CT 06708.

For more information or to send an online condolence, visit www.murphyfuneralhomect.com.

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