Mary Catherine “Cathy” Toohey, age 72, a lifelong resident of Braintree, died peacefully, Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in the comfort of her home, with her siblings by her side.

Cathy was born in Boston, raised and educated in Braintree and Hingham. She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, Class of 1969, and Curry College in Milton.

She was employed as the director of product advertising for John Hancock Financial Services in Boston for fifteen years. As a young woman, she began her career working in advertising for Quinn & Johnson Advertising.

Cathy was a member of The Gardeners’ Guild of Braintree where she worked on several committees and especially enjoyed preparing the Holiday House each year.

Cathy was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed experimenting with new recipes as well as preparing special meals and baked goods for family and friends.

An active member in her neighborhood, Cathy was kind, funny, classy, and generous. She was a wonderful storyteller – the result of a lifetime of avid reading. Always a book close at hand, she enjoyed several genres with a particular affinity for mystery and suspense. From her first Nancy Drew, she never encountered a mystery she could put down until the last page was turned.

Beloved daughter of the late John J. and Clare M. (Redican) Toohey.

Devoted sister of Claremarie Toohey and her partner Joanne Bourassa of Lowell, and John J. Toohey, Jr. of Pocasset.

Cathy is also survived by her cousins, many lifelong friends, and dear neighbors.

The family is grateful to the kind staff at Old Colony Hospice, especially Carla and Anya, whose gentle, friendly professionalism helped keep Cathy comfortably at home these last few months.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 856 Washington Street, Braintree, on Friday, May 16, at 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 or Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.