Cathy Ann (Hirsch) Gilson

Cathy Ann (Hirsch) Gilson, 73, passed away at her residence peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2020. She was the wife of David W. Gilson.

Cathy was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 14, 1946, eldest daughter of the late Richard and Bridget Margaret (Conway) Hirsch. She moved to Chicago in 8th grade and spent much of her life there before moving to Groton in 1999.

Together, Cathy and David were proprietors of the Herb Lyceum in Groton, where she used her flair for hospitality to plan many memorable events. She was an active parishioner of the First Parish Church in Groton, as well as chair of the Caring Committee. She always put others first, and throughout her life volunteered for causes that were important to her. Cathy had boundless energy, but when she stopped to relax, it was often with a book in her hand and a dog at her side. She relished the time spent with her family; she was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and will be dearly missed. She will be remembered for her compassion, her wit, and her open arms and heart.

In addition to her husband, Cathy is survived by her children: Eric Sebastian and his wife, Natalie, of Fairfax, VA; Traci Fruehauf and her husband, Justin, of Sewickley, PA; and William Gilson and his wife, Molly, of Acton. She was the beloved Gamma to grandchildren Kade, Braxton, Sebastian, and Beatrice. Cathy is also survived by her siblings, Craig (Chris Falasco), Janet, and Jim (Kathy) Hirsch, all of the Chicago area, and Terry (Lloyd Lane) Hirsch of Bradenton, FL.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Cathy for a period of visitation on Sunday, March 8, 2020, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020, at 2:00 pm in the First Parish Church of Groton, 1 Powderhouse Road, Groton. Burial will follow in the Groton Cemetery, 242 Hollis Street, Groton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cathy's memory to:
First Parish Church, Caring Committee
1 Powderhouse Road
Groton, MA 01450

or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.