Catherine Isabella Quint

Beloved educator, esteemed scholar and social justice activist Beloved educator, esteemed scholar and social justice activist Dr. Catherine Isabella Quint, Professor Emeritus of Worcester State University, passed peacefully home to God on July 5,2016 at 101 surrounded by the caring staff of Goddard House, Worcester, her home for over the last decade of her life. Dr. Quint's graceful death was a fitting testament to her wonderful life of gentility, love and peace.

A lifelong Worcester resident, she was born the daughter of Brigette (Barry) and Henry Quint. She was predeceased by her sisters Alyce and Mary Quint and her cousin Alice Barrett Cummings.

Catherine's exceptional educational journey began at St. Paul's Elementary School and Classical High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education from the former State Teacher's College, a master's degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a doctorate in Philosophical Foundations of Education, also from B.U. Her 1970 dissertation was a focus in Black studies, entitled "The Role of American Negro Women Educators in the Growth of the Common School.

Catherine touched countless lives as an educator, beginning as a second grade and middle school teacher. After obtaining her Ph.D, Dr Quint began her career in higher education at Fitchburg State, eventually devoting nearly two decades as professor at Worcester State.

A woman ahead of her time, Catherine's quest for knowledge fueled her many world explorations, including trips to Europe, Hong Kong, China, South America, Africa and several Native American Reservations in the United States.

Catherine was also a survivor of breast cancer, yet another journey she approached with dignity.

Catherine's energy and enthusiasm spread throughout numerous and varied organizations. A dedicated lap-swimmer, she was a member of the YWCA, as well as the Worcester Art Museum, Greater Worcester Council Office for Children, City of Worcester Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Fairlawn Hospital Volunteers, Boston University Women's Club, N.A.A.C.P., Soviet Sister City Project, the League of Women Voters and the Worcester State Alumni Association to name a few.

Besides her passion for learning, Catherine's Catholic faith was predominant throughout her life. She garnered many friendships as a daily communicant at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Worcester where she served as lector, Eucharistic minister, pro-life committee member and newsletter contributor.

Though lighthearted in demeanor and quick to laugh, Catherine's devotion to her Christian faith paralleled her lifelong concern for social justice. Her commitment to the poor and marginalized led her toward activism and she was proud of having marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement. Always the progressive, Catherine was also a member of the Worcester based group "The Phoenix." Her concern for social welfare buoyed her loyalty to the Democratic party.

Catherine's concern for the poor and love for children can be noted in her prolific research relating urban education and child development. In fact, Dr. Quint founded the Urban Studies program at Worcester State University. Several of her publications were used as training manuals by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Though extraordinary in her academic understanding of children, Catherine often could be seen sharing simple conversation, laughter and cookies with kids, her gentle manner putting all at ease. One friend recalled her seven year old daughter including a seventy year old Catherine on her birthday party invitation list, as the child considered Catherine among her friends. Graceful as always, Catherine was honored to attend the affair.

In her long and giving life, Catherine acquired many friends and admirers from all walks of life including her dependable helper of the past fifteen years, Carolyn Gemme. Beside Carolyn and her adopted family at Goddard House, Catherine leaves her loving second cousins Carol Cummings Ryerson, Peter, Chris, Bob and Steve Cummings, who thought of her as an aunt.

The family and friends would like to thank the residents, staff and associates of Goddard House for the wonderful care they've shown to Catherine in her years there. Also special thanks are in order for director Joan Cusson for her guidance,compassion and insistence that Catherine remain there until her natural departure.

In addition to these, sincerest gratitude to the staff at Home Health Care Services,especially Gladys and Esther, Jewish Healthcare 's pca's Margaret and Joannie and Notre Dame hospice nurses Barbara and Jackie, PCA Vida as well as anyone who took time to chat, sing or read to Catherine over the course of her demise. Each of you will always be remembered for the loving and compassionate care you gave Catherine. God Bless everyone one of you.

Visiting hours will be private. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 7th at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1220 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester State University Book Scholarship Fund, 486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602
. Catherine Isabella Quint, Professor Emeritus of Worcester State University, passed peacefully home to God on July 5,2016 at 101 surrounded by the caring staff of Goddard House, Worcester, her home for over the last decade of her life. Dr. Quint's graceful death was a fitting testament to her wonderful life of gentility, love and peace.

A lifelong Worcester resident, she was born the daughter of Brigette (Barry) and Henry Quint. She was predeceased by her sisters Alyce and Mary Quint and her cousin Alice Barrett Cummings.

Catherine's exceptional educational journey began at St. Paul's Elementary School and Classical High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education from the former State Teacher's College, a master's degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a doctorate in Philosophical Foundations of Education, also from B.U. Her 1970 dissertation was a focus in Black studies, entitled "The Role of American Negro Women Educators in the Growth of the Common School.

Catherine touched countless lives as an educator, beginning as a second grade and middle school teacher. After obtaining her Ph.D, Dr Quint began her career in higher education at Fitchburg State, eventually devoting nearly two decades as professor at Worcester State.

A woman ahead of her time, Catherine's quest for knowledge fueled her many world explorations, including trips to Europe, Hong Kong, China, South America, Africa and several Native American Reservations in the United States.

Catherine was also a survivor of breast cancer, yet another journey she approached with dignity.

Catherine's energy and enthusiasm spread throughout numerous and varied organizations. A dedicated lap-swimmer, she was a member of the YWCA, as well as the Worcester Art Museum, Greater Worcester Council Office for Children, City of Worcester Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Fairlawn Hospital Volunteers, Boston University Women's Club, N.A.A.C.P., Soviet Sister City Project, the League of Women Voters and the Worcester State Alumni Association to name a few.

Besides her passion for learning, Catherine's Catholic faith was predominant throughout her life. She garnered many friendships as a daily communicant at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Worcester where she served as lector, Eucharistic minister, pro-life committee member and newsletter contributor.

Though lighthearted in demeanor and quick to laugh, Catherine's devotion to her Christian faith paralleled her lifelong concern for social justice. Her commitment to the poor and marginalized led her toward activism and she was proud of having marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement. Always the progressive, Catherine was also a member of the Worcester based group "The Phoenix." Her concern for social welfare buoyed her loyalty to the Democratic party.

Catherine's concern for the poor and love for children can be noted in her prolific research relating urban education and child development. In fact, Dr. Quint founded the Urban Studies program at Worcester State University. Several of her publications were used as training manuals by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Though extraordinary in her academic understanding of children, Catherine often could be seen sharing simple conversation, laughter and cookies with kids, her gentle manner putting all at ease. One friend recalled her seven year old daughter including a seventy year old Catherine on her birthday party invitation list, as the child considered Catherine among her friends. Graceful as always, Catherine was honored to attend the affair.

In her long and giving life, Catherine acquired many friends and admirers from all walks of life including her dependable helper of the past fifteen years, Carolyn Gemme. Beside Carolyn and her adopted family at Goddard House, Catherine leaves her loving second cousins Carol Cummings Ryerson, Peter, Chris, Bob and Steve Cummings, who thought of her as an aunt.

The family and friends would like to thank the residents, staff and associates of Goddard House for the wonderful care they've shown to Catherine in her years there. Also special thanks are in order for director Joan Cusson for her guidance,compassion and insistence that Catherine remain there until her natural departure.

In addition to these, sincerest gratitude to the staff at Home Health Care Services,especially Gladys and Esther, Jewish Healthcare 's pca's Margaret and Joannie and Notre Dame hospice nurses Barbara and Jackie, PCA Vida as well as anyone who took time to chat, sing or read to Catherine over the course of her demise. Each of you will always be remembered for the loving and compassionate care you gave Catherine. God Bless everyone one of you.

Visiting hours will be private. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 7th at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1220 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of CALLAHAN FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester State University Book Scholarship Fund, 486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602