Mary Kathleen “Kate” (McCormick) Bechard, 69, of Chelsea, died April 10 at her home with family by her side after an extended illness. She was born on Aug. 31, 1941 in Gardiner, the daughter of Francis B. McCormick and Violet (Tobin) McCormick.
Kate grew up in North Whitefield and graduated from Cony High School in Augusta in the class of 1959. She graduated from the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing, Boston, Mass., in 1962.
She had a 40 year career as a registered nurse, first at Massachusetts General Hospital, then at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I., then on to MacLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. and most recently, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, retiring in 2003.
Kate’s courage and dignity during her 18 month struggle with Primary Intraperitoneal Carcinoma was an inspiration to family and friends.
Her loves and interests included many an excellent adventure with her beloved daughter, Erin and travels with her husband, Ron, Erin, and friends to America’s national parks, Alaska, Mexico, Europe, the Southwest and Ireland. Also included were shopping and outings for theatre, musical events, dining; growing and helping others grow beautiful flower gardens; knitting, especially the unique and elegant felted pocketbooks created for friends; providing information to state fair visitors as her husband sculptured giant pumpkins; new moms and newborn babies for whom she cared and advocated in her nursing career; time spent at the family camp in Pemaquid; walking the Augusta-Gardiner Rail Trail with her buddy Marie; and a great affinity for anything relating to Christmas.
She was predeceased by her parents and many aunts and uncles.
Survivors include husband, Ronald Bechard of Chelsea; daughter, Erin Bechard of Augusta; stepdaughter, Kimberly Webber of Chelsea and children, Brandon, Dexter and Patrick Webber; stepson, Ron Bechard of Augusta; brother, C. Michael McCormick and Mary Staab of Jefferson; sister, Margaret “Maggie” Caron and David Caron of Pemaquid; brother-in-law, Jerry and wife Polly Bechard of Augusta; sisters-in-law, Susan and husband Jacob Mosser of N. Reading, Mass. and Norma and husband Dick Hanson of Middleton, Mass.; nieces and nephews, Mary and husband Chad Hanna of Bristol, Patricia and husband Kevin Scully of Waterville, Stephanie McCormick of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Sean and wife Leslie McCormick, Catherine and husband Edward Alexander, Steven and wife Lana McCormick, and Karen McCormick, all of North Whitefield, Stephen Bechard and Brenda Janke-Smith of Penobscot, Sheila and husband Chris Krouse of Gardiner, Cynthia and husband Kris Soiett of Chelsea, and Bart Hanson of Los Angeles, Cal.; and many cousins.
In honoring Kathleen’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. Memorial mass of Christian burial 11 a.m., Mon., April 18 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Ave., Augusta, with Rev. George Hickey, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hallowell, officiating. Burial will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions are requested to Good Shepherd Food Bank, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211-1807.
Condolences may be expressed at www.plummerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.
