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Cathy Harris Obituary

Cathy Harris

May 10, 1948 - May 6, 2026

Cathy Harris Obituary

Dover - Cathy Elizabeth Harris, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Dover Center for Health & Rehabilitation following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.


Born in Gloucester, MA, on May 10, 1948, to Alfred and Constance Smith, Cathy developed a lifelong affinity for the ocean and the outdoors. Her youth was filled with days on the beach, outings on her Uncle Bill's boat, and adventures with her Girl Scout troop led by her Aunt Mable. These early experiences blossomed into a lasting passion for music, arts, and crafts.


She graduated from Gloucester High School in 1967, and then in 1974 she welcomed her twin sons, Jason and Grant, to whom she was deeply devoted. She shared her love for nature and the arts with them, often filling their home with music and creative projects. Whether the kitchen table was covered in paint and glue or the family was off on a camping trip or other adventure, often including her nephew William, Cathy embraced every moment of motherhood.


As her children grew, Cathy turned her focus to helping others. Her work with Child Development inspired her to earn an Associate's degree in Psychology from North Shore Community College. She went on to serve as a substance abuse and domestic violence intervention counselor with Project RAP, where her dedication left a lasting positive impact on many lives.


Relocating to Rochester, NH, to support her parents, Cathy embarked on a new professional chapter as a CNC Machinist at Thompson Center Arms. This unexpected transition led her to meet Robert Moreau, her future husband of 15 years. Together they shared a vibrant wit and a profound joy for life that resonated with all. They were truly inseparable, often traveling back to Gloucester to spend time on the Boulevard, or to Salem to enjoy local favorites like Bill & Bob's.


Cathy, affectionately known as "Mima" to her grandchildren, Gavin and Averie, cherished every moment spent with them, frequently expressing her devotion by telling them she loved them "to the moon and back". Their visits in October were particularly memorable, as her deep passion for Halloween meant she always went above and beyond to celebrate the holiday with the children.


Cathy eventually settled in Dover, NH, where she spent her final years. She is survived by her husband, Robert Moreau; her son, Grant Harris, and his partner, Meagan Davis; her brother, Alan Smith; her nephew, William Smith; and her grandchildren, Gavin and Averie Harris, along with their mother, Alyssa Harris. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Jason Harris; her grandmother, Julia Chamberlin; and her aunt and uncle, Mable and Bill Pettipas.

A celebration of Cathy's life will be held on Jun 6, at the Magnolia Library, 1 Lexington Ave, Gloucester, MA, from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited to join in remembering and celebrating a life beautifully lived.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cathy, please visit our floral store.

Dover - Cathy Elizabeth Harris, 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Dover Center for Health & Rehabilitation following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.


Born in Gloucester, MA, on May 10, 1948, to Alfred and Constance Smith, Cathy developed a lifelong affinity for the ocean and the outdoo

Published on June 1, 2026

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