Obituary of Catherine M. Wallace

Catherine M. Wallace, 74, of Danvers, longtime Elementary school teacher at the Carroll School in Peabody, passed away Saturday, January 23, at the NSMC-Salem Hospital, following a lengthy battle with cancer, and other complications. She was the beloved wife of Joseph J. Wallace. Cathy was born on February 12, 1946, in Salem, MA, daughter of the late Joseph C. and Mary C. (Stahler) Ryan. She was raised in Peabody, attending St. John’s Elementary School, graduating from Bishop Fenwick High School, Class of 1963, and went on the receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Merrimack College, followed by her Master’s Degree from Salem State University. Cathy had a long career as an elementary school teacher at the Thomas Carroll School in Peabody, a career she cherished and put her heart and soul into every day she walked into that school building. She was also instrumental in bringing the Adopt-a-Whale program to her students, teaching them the importance of protecting endangered species. Aside from teaching, she was an avid skier, and was a longtime member of The Bretton Woods Club. She spent her summers in Bartlett NH playing golf at the Bretton Woods Golf Course. She also enjoyed sailing for many years with her husband, Joe, sailing from the northern Maine down into Long Island Sound and were both lifelong members of the Jubilee Yacht Club. She was never afraid to get on a plane and travel, having taken many trips to various parts of Europe, around the country, and especially to her home in Naples Florida. For those that truly knew Cathy knew her ultimate passion was golf. Golf was a big part of her life, and she would go out on a golf course any chance she could get. She and her husband were members of the Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club in Naples, Fl, for many years. Aside from her many hobbies and traveling, Cathy was very passionate about cancer research and treatments. Being a cancer survivor she immersed herself in volunteering her time and resources to help others. Twenty five years ago she became very active in the North Shore Cancer Walk forming her own team, “ Cathy’s Crew”, Cathy raised thousands of dollars over the years bringing awareness to Cancer research. Cathy was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, be it her former students, colleagues, friends or family, she touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Besides her loving husband, Cathy is survived by her siblings and their spouses, John Ryan and Margie of Danvers, Michael Ryan and Debbie of Peabody, James Ryan and Rachel of Dracut, Margaret Ryan and Stewart Clifford of Sarasota, Fl, Judy Ryan of Valparaiso IN the widow of Cathy’s father Joseph C Ryan, her sisters-in-law and their spouses, Pamela Spina and Joseph of Lynn and Patricia Dickie and Kevin of Swampscott, and many nieces, and nephews, and friends. Services for Cathy will be privately held, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. There will also a be a Celebration of Cathy’s life held at a later date.