Catherine R. Desjardins

Catherine R. “Kay” (Athman) Desjardins, age 94 of New Bedford, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019 in St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Charles H. Desjardins to whom she had been married for 72 years.

Born in Onamia, MN, a daughter of the late August and Olivia (Pflipsen) Athman. She was a long time New Bedford resident. Kay was a Seamstress at the Wamsutta Mills and a chef at Hammonds Fish & Chips for 12 years.

Kay was a communicant of St. Joseph-St. Therese Parish, where she was the Treasurer of the senior’s club, volunteered at Bingo, led the prayer line and was a Marian Medal Recipient. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed crossword puzzles, scrabble, watching game shows and spending time with her loving family.

Kay is the mother of seven children, Stephen Desjardins, Mark Desjardins and his wife Sharon, Michele Fortin, Douglas Desjardins and his wife Jacqueline, Rachel Gordon and her husband Paul, Monique Mello and her husband Bruce and Christopher Desjardins and his wife Melissa; eleven grandchildren, Caitlyn, Danielle, Renee, Joclyn, Andrea, Sarah, Vanessa, Andrew, Sheridan, Alexandria and Curran; five great grandchildren; a brother Robert Athman and two sisters Lucille Spahn and Annella Cunz and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 10:00AM from the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00PM. Burial will be private. Per Kay’s wishes, memorial contributions in Stephens honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com