Catherine Walsh Prince, 94, entered eternal life on December 18, 2023.
A longtime resident of St. Stephens Church, VA, Catherine had lived in Gaston County, NC since 1998. She was born in Port Richmond, VA, the daughter of John and Anna Walsh.
Catherine attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, and graduated from West Point High School. She retired after 30 years from her position as Secretary of the Lawson Marriott Schools in King & Queen County where she touched the lives of many children. Catherine was a member of the Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Parrish community until she moved to North Carolina. There Catherine became an active parishioner at St. Michael’s Church in Gastonia, NC, and also attended Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont, NC.
Catherine was a fervent volunteer within her church communities, working with youth ministry programs, family life dinners, rosary and prayer groups as well as St. Michael’s Thrift Store. She was an Oblate of St. Benedict through Belmont Abbey, and was diligent in her daily prayers for the monastic community. Catherine was a loving person who possessed an unlimited love for family and an amazing capacity for hard work well into her 90s.
Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Percy Boyd Prince. She was also preceded by her parents, brothers and sisters: Josephine, Mary (Joe Thill), John, Joseph (Dorothy), Stella (Russell Chandler), William (Nancy) and Thomas. Catherine’s family is comforted by the knowledge that she is with her loved ones.
Catherine is survived by her daughter Deborah Donoghue (Simon) and son Nelson Prince (Janet). Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren Christopher Donoghue, Ryan Prince and Suzanne Prince; sisters-in-law, Barbara Walsh and Pauline Newbill, as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
All services will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Father Robert Brownell, Catherine’s nephew, will be officiating the celebration of her life. A funeral Mass of Thanksgiving will be held at 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by a graveside service at St Teresa’s Catholic Cemetery. Prior to the funeral, a Rosary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by visitation with the family at 10 a.m. There will be a reception following the services at The Father van den Boogaard Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or your favorite charity.
