Catherine Marie Spencer
Tuesday, December 19, 1922
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Age:
96 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday May 17, 2019
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday May 18, 2019
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Saturday May 18, 2019
Time: 11:00 am
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Tuesday, December 19, 1922
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Age:
96 years old
Tuesday, December 19, 1922
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Age:
96 years old
Catherine Marie Spencer
Catherine Marie (Powers) Spencer, age 96, passed away Saturday, May 11, at Trinity Care Center in Farmington, surrounded by love and family.
Katie lived her entire life in Rochester. She was born on December 19, 1922 to Joseph Powers and Matie (Rasmussen) Powers, the first of two children. They lived in a little house on 3rd Avenue SE that eventually floated down the Zumbro River in a flood. She graduated in 1942 as a member of the last graduating class from St. John’s High School, after which it was torn down and Lourdes was built. She then attended RCC for two years. She worked as a switchboard operator at the “Ma” Bell Telephone Company and The Kahler Hotel, then later as the Rectory Secretary at St. John’s Catholic Church.
She had a strong sense of family and was a generous and kind wife, mother, and grandmother. When she was 27 years old, on June 10, 1950, she married Charles “Chuck” Spencer, and together they had six children. They lived in a small house on 4th Street until she was pregnant with the twins, when they moved into a house on 12th Avenue SE along with Chuck’s parents, Ed and Flossy. Chuck and Katie slept in the living room while Chuck’s parents and the kids slept in the three bedrooms. Her husband, Chuck died suddenly in October 1974. She stepped into the role of matriarch of the family and held her children and grandchildren with great love. She combined her creativity and love of entertaining to create joyous and raucous celebration traditions, particularly at Christmastime, when she became Mrs. Claus and the family performed skits known as Boomaroomas.
She was a devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church — her father was one of the first parish trustees, and as a child she watched it be built from her back porch, next to the convent. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and a source of strength and comfort. For her last 20 years, Katie lived at Gramercy Park Cooperative among many friends who were a second family to her. She enjoyed making and giving greeting cards. She was sharp-witted, with a keen interest in politics and dedication to the daily Cryptoquote.
She is survived by her children, Margaret (Dan) Trost, Joseph (Sharon) Spencer, Andrew (Muriel) Spencer, and Sara (Chris) Cowen; daughter-in-law, Joanne Spencer; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, James “Jim” Powers; daughter, Mary Spencer; and son, Tim Spencer.
Katie’s family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Trinity Care Center, where she spent the last five weeks of her life, for their professional and compassionate care, and to all who visited, sent cards, and prayed for her.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis.
Condolences
The family of Catherine Marie Spencer has received the following condolences.
I am sorry for your loss.
Joe and Sharon and Spencer/Powers family,
we are so sorry for your loss of Katie. She was a wonderful woman and we are glad we knew her and your family.
we are sure you will properly celebrate her beautiful life!
Jim and Pam
To all of the family, Peggy, Joe, Andy, and Sara
Thinking of you all with the passing of your mother.
Your mother was very kind, smart, and someone
with a great sense of humor and laugh.
I never forget her and the great family you have!
Take Care, Mark
My deepest condolences to the Spencer family for the loss of Kate. The kindness she showed me and wisdom she shared throughout the years that I knew her touched me dearly. She was a remarkable woman who will be missed by so many.
-Kerensa
DeAr Peggy & Sarah and all,
so sorry about the loss of your mom. She had a smile in her voice and a twinkle in her eyes every time I saw her... the last time being st the garage sale and she was telling us all how to do it! :-)! Your family is in my tthoughts. Sincerely Rebecca
Andy and family sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Many memories going all the way back to our moms yelling at us when we were caught smoking outside of the church during religion class to the many years she was a good customer at our shop. Also the church Irish dinners! Aways a pleasure to talk and learn from her.
Rich and Mary Freytag
Joe, Sharon and Spencer family- My deepest sympathy. Love and peace during this difficult time. Hope to see you soon. Jeanne
I won't be able to make the funeral but just wanted to say her eyes always had a sparkle to them and she had a great smile. Sorry to hear of her passing.
What a wonderful woman! I treasure the fact that we got to know Catherine and see her wisdom, humor, creativity, kindness, and above all, her amazing love for her family! I am a better person for having had the opportunity to know her. And all of the children and grandchildren I’ve met are such a wonderful legacy and reflection of the kind of woman she was. Comfort and peace to all of you.
We will surely miss this beautiful lady. Katie brought her goodness wherever she went - whether it be a gift of her hand made cards, a visit to Mom in the nursing home or bringing the rutabagas to the Thanksgiving feast.
May your wonderful memories bring you comfort now.
Lois and Jerry Halloran
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SADNESS. BUT IT IS ALSO THE TIME FOR US TO REMEMBER THE FUN TIMES OF BEING TOGETHER IN FAMILY GATHERINGS IN PAST YEARS. THOSE WE WILL ALWAYS TREASURE !
My sincere sympathy to Catheries family. I knew Catherine thru my mother, Mary Lucille (Keefe) Baker. They grew up across the street from each other. My mom was older and would tell of watching your mom and her brother sitting on their front step eatung ice cream. I think as young woman they socialized. I also knewboth of your parents when I lived across the street in Mrs. Stocks upstairs apartment. That was along time ago probably like 1970 or so. What a sweet woman with a sparkle in her eye. May the Angels surround all you as they also carried Catherine to her eternal home. I will make a gift to Sisters of St. Francis in her name. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Marilyn Baker ( the one who visited with Catherines daughter when she was hospitalized recently)
Our sincere condolences to the Spencer Family. We are long time friends of Joanne and Tim. Such a loving obituary for a special Mom and Grandmother. Blessed be her memory!?
This whole beautiful family was blessed by Kate's presence and grace and humor. Kate had a special way about her that put everyone at ease and I saw the true love she had for her family and those of us who love them. She will be missed.
We are thinking of you all at this time of sorrow. Wishing peace and wonderful memories as you celebrate Katherine’s life. Hugs!
To the entir. Spencer/Powers family,
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother/ Aunt. She was so kind to me when Diane would bring me with her to visit Peg. I remember as a little girl visiting the house on 12th Ave and going to the Kahler with Diane and Peg and your mom showing me where she worked as an operator.
Spencers and Powers were always dear to my parents (Ralph and Phyllis Galegher) and our family
Prayers for your family.
Carol (Galegher) Nassif
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)
My deepest condolences to the Spencer family. Kate was an incredible woman.
Sorry to hear of Catherine's passing. She was a good friend of my mother, Jane Bucher-Finbraaten.