Catherine R. (Rice) Hunt

Catherine Hunt of Moodus, CT passed away on February 20th peacefully at home at the remarkable age of 103. She was born on December 23, 1921 in Liverpool, England. Catherine was the eldest child of Margaret Higgins Rice and Daniel Rice. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters: Doreen, Mary, Maureen, Isobel, Peggy, and Irene, and brother Danny. She was also predeceased by her daughter Margaret (Maggie) Dean and her granddaughter Julie Dean.

Catherine leaves behind her loving and dedicated daughter Joanne (Hunt) Maynard and son-in law Kevin Maynard, three granddaughters: Karen Maynard (Jay Bordwell), Kathleen Kuo (Tony Kuo), and Kelly McAlpine (Kevin McAlpine). As well as six great grandchildren: Grace, Aidan, Kylie, Kara, Bree and Lexi, and her beloved nephew Denys Shorthouse (Bobbi Shorthouse) and cousin Valerie Edwards.

Catherine grew up in Liverpool, England where her parents ran a pub. She joined the Royal Air Force during World War II. During the war she served in the plotting room, packed parachutes, and was an air raid warden. She was awarded medals from Queen Elizabeth for her service.

After the war, Catherine came to the US as a war bride, she had her two daughters. Catherine spent time working as a seamstress, which was a job she always said she loved. Catherine and her daughters finally settled in Moodus which she called home for the remainder of her life. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and vegetables. Other favorite past times included volunteering at the schools, cooking and baking. She always had something baking and shared that love with her granddaughters and then great grandchildren.

Catherine will be remembered for her wit and humor. She was an avid reader and history buff. She was always eager to learn and share her knowledge of all things history. She also adored spending time playing cards with her family, especially setback, which she often played with her favorite partner. She loved going to the senior center, especially taking part and leading Tai Chi with her friends.

We would like to thank her doctors and caregivers for taking such good care of her, especially Dr. Burchsted, Dr. Krishnan, and Lynn Farrell.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Saturday March 1st from 4:00Pm until 6:00PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the East Haddam Senior Center or East Haddam Historical Society, two places very close to her heart.

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