Katherine M. Torrey

Katherine Mary (Powers) Torrey, 73, of Worcester, also known affectionately as Kathy, passed away on December 2, 2023, at UMASS Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on September 22, 1950, in Worcester, daughter of the late Marie A. (Noonan) and the late David J. Powers. Her passing is mourned by her beloved husband of 48 years, David Torrey; four children, her son Patrick Torrey and his wife Amanda, her daughter Katherine T. Torrey, her son Matthew Torrey and his wife Cristin, her son Joseph Torrey and his wife Jenna; her sister Maureen H. Powers; four grandchildren and one expected grandchild.

Kathy was known for her warmness and wit. A devout Catholic, she was unwaveringly focused on her faith, family and community. 

She was a graduate of Ascension Catholic High School and Worcester State University. She was employed as the business manager at The Bridge of Central Mass for nearly 30 years. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at Christ the King parish. Through Pre-Cana and Marriage Encounter, she supported married couples in their journey together and strengthened her own. Faith played a central role in her marriage and led to a family home with love and caring at its heart. 

She was passionate about her Irish heritage and music. She was on the Worcester St. Patrick’s Day parade committee, loved spending time at The Fidler’s Green Irish Club, was a member of The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and always appreciated a good cup of tea. She was a member of the Alumnae Association for Ascension High School since 1968, serving as the treasurer for many years, supporting the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. In later years she was a member of the Red Hat Club, and was a valuable member in her Weight Watchers community.

As a child, Kathy was drawn to sewing, and under the tutelage of her talented mother, she learned to craft elaborate creations. She was terrific with a crochet hook and designed finely detailed crochet works. Many a toddler donned her signature crochet Irish sweaters. Her mother also instilled a passion for baking in her that she passed on to her children. 

Kathy grew up off Lincoln St. and attended Harlow Street school and later St. John-Ascension School. She was a girl scout at St. Bernard’s parish and was often in attendance at the Lincoln Street Girls Club. She sang in the choir at St. Bernard’s parish and sang for the choir at Ascension High school, where she was also part of the math club. Her early years involved frequent visits to her aunts Catherine and Helen Noonan‘s home where she and her sister played with their cousins, the O'Brien's, in the summers. Her childhood family also visited her Powers cousins in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey and Winchendon, MA for trips to see family.

While serving at The Bridge she opened rooms in her house to young human services workers from the UK and Ireland. With these lodgers it was not uncommon for her to host twenty people at her breakfast table. She loved having her house full of her friends, her family, and their friends.  

She painted and draped everything in the color purple and wore Birkenstocks before they were popular because she believed in the importance of comfy shoes. She loved helping people, like counseling new nursing mothers. She loved time at York Beach, Maine and sitting at Nubble Light on a chilly day while her kids climbed on the rocks holding hands with her husband. And if not York Beach, she’d take a wander on the Marginal Way or really any chilly ocean spot - usually followed by some fried clams.  She loved action movies and Law & Order Style television. She poured her love of mathematics into as many of her children’s school projects as she could. She was a devotee of solitaire and other card games like cribbage and gin rummy. She loved to dance so much - even when her mobility was challenged, she danced. 

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to her family and community. Her warm presence and kind-hearted nature touched the lives of many. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege and joy of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6th from 4-7PM at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St. Worcester. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday December 7th at 10AM at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St. in Worcester. Burial will be private at St John’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.