CATHERINE ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

PORTLAND – Catherine E. Williams, 47, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center. Cathy spent two weeks in the hospital, during which she was continuously surrounded by a large group of beloved friends and family members. Cathy lived life with enthusiasm, seeing each new day as a gift and living it to its fullest extent. This zest for life continued even as she waged a heroic three-year battle against late-stage ovarian cancer. Cathy was born June 10, 1961, and was a lifelong resident of Portland. She was the daughter of Vivian and Roger D. Williams. Cathy graduated from Deering High School and from the University of Southern Maine. Cathy had a 28-year career with TDBank, where she was a vice president and commercial loan officer. She truly enjoyed her work and the great relationships she shared with her customers and coworkers. She was creative, hardworking and diligent; culminating in great results for her customers. Even as she battled cancer, she was recognized with several sales awards this year. Cathy had volunteered for a number of non-profit organizations during her lifetime, but her most important role was serving as a founding board member of the Cancer Community Center. Cathy joined the organization in honor of her sister, Janice Martin, a cancer survivor and subsequently served as president of the center for two terms. Ironically, four years after her second term ended, Cathy was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. She continued to be an avid supporter of the Cancer Community Center during the last years of her life. It was through fellow Cancer Community Center board members and supporters that Cathy was introduced to Andrew Beahm. The two were married July 14, 2001, in a beautiful ceremony held on the waterfront in Bar Harbor. Cathy and Andy shared a common love for Acadia National Park and visited the area several times each year. This included an annual anniversary celebration at Ullikana Bed and Breakfast that they shared with a large group of friends. All involved will cherish fond memories of great hikes, delicious food and copious amounts of laughter. Cathy was predeceased by her parents, Vivian and Roger D. Williams; and by her beloved nephew, Roger D. Williams III. Cathy is survived by three sons, Matthew Williams, David Beahm and Mark Beahm. She was very proud of these three young men and was steadfast in providing them the foundation they needed for a successful and happy life. One of the things she stressed was the importance of having a close-knit family and a large circle of good friends. Cathy and Andy’s home and camp were frequently the site of many happy gatherings with friends and family. Cathy was often referred to as the “glue” that kept this large group of fun-loving people together. Where there was Cathy, there was laughter. In addition to her sons, survivors include her husband, Andrew Beahm; her sister, Janice Martin and her husband, Jim; her brother, Roger Williams and his wife, Carolyn; her brother, Kevin Williams and his wife, Julie; her brother, William and his wife, Michelle; and her brother, Theodore and his wife, Madeline, all reside in the Greater Portland area. Cathy loved her nieces and nephews dearly, and enjoyed spending time with them. Even in the most challenging moments of fighting cancer, they could always put a smile on her face. Cathy had a great capacity for love and compassion. She was wise beyond her years and was cited by many as an important role model in their lives. This continued as she battled cancer with grace, courage and perseverance. She was a natural leader, who through the example of her own life, showed us first how to live life and eventually how to die with dignity. She will remain with us forever. Cathy’s family thanks the caring and professional staff of Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital’s Lymphedema Clinic and Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their excellent and compassionate care of Cathy. Special thanks is extended to Cathy’s sister, Janice Martin, a cancer survivor and oncology researcher, for all of her support and guidance through Cathy’s journey. Finally we would like to express our gratitude to Cathy and Andy’s employers, TDBank and L.L. Bean Inc., for their exceptional support during this difficult time. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Woodfords Congregational Church, UCC, 202 Woodford St., Portland. A burial service will be held afterward at Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Avenue, Portland. After the burial service, a reception will be held at Portland Country Club, Route 88, Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Cancer Community Center, 778 Maine St., Route One, South Portland, ME 04106 or at cancercommunitycenter.org. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Catherine’s family by visiting www.mem.com.