Catherine M. Purcell

Catherine M. Purcell, 93, of 10 Sherwood Road, Portsmouth, RI, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. She was the wife of the late Warren R. Purcell.Born in Holyoke, MA on February 22, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Frank W. and Mary McCarthy Higgins.Mrs. Purcell was a graduate of Simmons College, a member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration, and a communicant of St. Barnabas Church. She loved gardening, doing her tole painting and spending time with her many friends. Her sunny disposition, ready smile and optimistic nature made her popular, and she will be missed by all who knew her.She is survived by her daughter, Mary C. Purcell and her husband Juan A. Diaz-Barrera of Portsmouth, RI, her son W. Richard Purcell Jr. of Boulder, CO, her son David J. Purcell of Burlington, VT, and her grandson, Loren D. Purcell of San Francisco, CA.She was preceded in death by her sister, Molly M. Higgins.Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 9:30 am, from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be private.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2008, from 8:30 - 9:30 am in the Connors Funeral Home.Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.