Catherine E. Tourish, 86, of Upton, died January 16, 2010 at home after an illness. The eldest child of the late James and Mary (Diver) Tourish, she was born in Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland on July 7, 1923. She immigrated to Worcester, MA on March 27, 1951, arriving on the Queen Mary from Southampton, England with her two younger sisters, Mary Patricia and Frances Bernadette, after the death of their parents in Ireland. They became U.S. citizens in 1957 with the help of their aunt, Agnes (Diver) Magill of Grafton.
Ms. Tourish was trained in nursing at Grafton State Hospital and worked with the mentally ill as a licensed practical nurse for 30 years. After retiring from state employment, she continued to work at area nursing homes, including the former Upton Nursing Center, for another 20 years.
A resident of Upton for over 55 years, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, catalog shopping, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her sisters, Mary Patricia Forget of Worcester, and Frances Murphy of Upton, with whom she lived. She is fondly remembered by her niece, Lisa Mosiejczuk, great nephew Nicholas Mosiejczuk, and by her nephews, Mark, Arthur, and Barry Forget, all of Worcester, Chris Murphy of Marlboro, and Michael Murphy of Franklin, TN.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Upton Ambulance Fund, Box 29, Upton MA 01568.
Service Details
Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.