Catherine Marie Dyer's Obituary
Catherine M. Dyer
April 11, 1927 to January 27, 2025
With love and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Catherine M. Dyer, a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, at the age of 97. Catherine was surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home when she passed Monday morning, January 27, 2025.
Born on April 11, 1927, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Francesco “Frank” Frederico and Rosa “Rose” Frederico, Catherine was the eldest of two children. She held fond memories of her childhood, especially the close bond she shared with her younger brother, Russell.
At the age of 12, Catherine and her family embarked on a life-changing journey, leaving everything behind except what they could carry in a suitcase, as they moved across the country to San Francisco, California. She attended Balboa High School, and after graduating, she began her career at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph a.k.a “PacTel”.
As a Supervisor, Catherine had many stories to share about her working at PacTel in San Francisco. One story during her tenure included standing in lines at lunch time at various San Francisco locations, not knowing what the line was for, but it must have been something good if there was a line. This of course, was during WWII, sometimes she was lucky and was able to obtain a pair of hard to come by, ladies stockings. While working at PacTel, she began a lifelong friendship with Virginia Daley, and Bill & Hattie Brogden.
In 1954, Catherine and her parents settled in San Mateo, where she met the love of her life, William ”Bill” D. Dyer, in 1955. Just a few months later, they married at St. Gregory’s Church on 28th Avenue in San Mateo, and spent 59 wonderful years together, building a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. Catherine dedicated herself to raising their three daughters, creating a warm and nurturing home. She was deeply involved in the George Hall Elementary School, always finding ways to support her children’s education, including the role of Room Mother for all three daughters, and 4 consecutive years as the PTA President. While living in the San Mateo Village, Catherine was a Neighborhood Block Parent acting as a resource to all the neighborhood children.
Having strong roots in San Mateo, Catherine volunteered for various local politicians, including working in their campaign offices. For many years, Catherine and Bill offered the use of their garage during elections as a polling station. As her girls grew up, Catherine became very involved with Girl Scouts, quickly becoming a Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years. Her love of supporting youth, led her and Bill to host Exchange Students from Japan.
Catherine had a gift for making a house feel like home. She was an exceptional cook and baker, always filling her kitchen with the comforting aromas of delicious meals and homemade treats. Sunday evenings were a special tradition, as the family gathered around the television to watch Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom followed by The Wonderful World of Disney, precious moments that her daughters still hold dear.
As her youngest daughter entered junior high school, Catherine decided to return to work, joining the Sears, Roebuck and Co. Catalog Department at Hillsdale Mall, where she remained until retiring in the mid-1980s. Her daughters and granddaughters fondly remember the magic of Sears Family Night, a special employee appreciation event filled with treats, shopping, raffle prizes, bargain hunting and laughter.
Beyond her roles as a devoted wife and mother, Catherine found joy in baking, crafting, crochet, knitting, sewing and spending time with her two beloved granddaughters, creating beautiful memories that will be treasured forever. She also held fond memories of summers at the Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts “Beach House” as they called it, where she spent time with her family and enjoyed the sand and ocean breeze. One of the highlights of her life was winning a local newspaper contest that took her on an unforgettable vacation trip to Australia, an adventure she and Bill loved to recount.
Catherine is survived by her three daughters, their spouses and two granddaughters, who will forever carry her love, wisdom, and warmth in their hearts. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.
She was a light in our lives, and though she is no longer with us in person, her love and spirit will remain in our hearts always.
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