Catherine, devoted wife and mother, went to be with the Lord on Valentines Day 2013. It was on that day that we, the Andrews Family, lost the centerpiece of our family.
Catherine was abruptly taken from us following an overwhelming battle with cancer and other complications. She was born in Bristol in 1935 where she was raised by her loving parents Edward and Josephine Marshall (deceased).
Catherine, the eldest child and only daughter in a family of six siblings, was taken out of school by her parents at the age of 12 to help raise the family, as times were tough in those days. Catherine would say that although she would have loved to finish school she knew that her parents needed her help in raising her brothers. Catherine rose to the occasion, unselfishly and joyously raising her brothers, knowing that it was helping her family, even though it meant giving up her childhood. It was that same loving and caring spirit that would define the rest of her life.
Catherine would later marry her loving husband of 59 years, Henry Andrews Jr., who worked at that time as a home builder in Bristol. It was there that their first born, Robert Andrews, came into the world. Three years later, Catherine and Henry would move to Key West, where their daughter, Roberta Andrews, and their youngest son, Thomas Andrews, were born. When asked about how many kids that she had, she would reply, “one clam and two conchs.”
Catherine became active in the church early on; she and her husband put all their children through catholic school here in Key West, where she was an active participant in their school activities. Catherine became a “born again” Christian, and for the rest of her life faithfully served the Lord, leading many to Christ. One of her favorite hobbies was to cut out the Citizen of the Day photos from the Key West Citizen, and frame the photo, and then hand deliver it to that person. She would tell them as a Christian it was her responsibility to make their day special, even if she did not know them personally. Her favorite saying was “Praise the Lord” which she not only proclaimed, but lived! She was an active member of the Basilica of Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church and the Life of Christ Prayer Group, where for over 40 years she faithfully served hour of prayer. Catherine and her husband would later go on to established Andrews Propeller Service, which continues to operate today. Catherine loved to greet customers as they walked into the shop, telling them stories of her family and how proud she was of them all. Catherine will be deeply missed by all that knew her especially her family here and in New England. Our hearts will forever miss her! We love you Mom!
She is survived by her husband, Henry Andrews; her son, Robert Andrews; her daughter, Roberta Mira, and her husband, James Mira; her youngest son, Thomas Andrews, and wife Barbara Hernandez; grandchildren, Brittany Mira, Janet Andrews, TJ Andrews, Tiffany Hernandez, Raul Hernandez and five great-grandchildren; her brothers, Edward Marshall (Elma Marshall), Richard Marshall (Linda Marshall), Bob Marshall (Jean Marshall), Ronnie Marshall(Donna Marshall), and John Marshall (Rosemary Marshall); and numerous nieces and nephews. Her burial is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street at 11 a.m. Saint Mary’s Church is handling all arrangements.