WESTFIELD – Catherine Nancy Zecca (née Capron), of Westfield, 91, former Nursing Instructor at Baystate Medical Center School of Nursing, passed away peacefully on January 17th. She was with family and is now in the arms of the Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Catherine was born to William and Mary Capron on March 25th, 1932, on the Feast of the Annunciation in Springfield, Massachusetts. Catherine and her older sister, Josephine and younger sister, Carol, grew up in Springfield.
Catherine graduated from Baystate Medical Center School of Nursing. She went on to study at Boston College, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing. After graduating, Catherine lived at the South End’s Franklin Square House in Boston while working as a teaching instructor at Catherine Labourie School of Nursing.
After being introduced to the love of her life, Alfonso Zecca, a tailor, Catherine moved back to Western Massachusetts to get married and have a family. Catherine and Alfonso had two sons, Gerard and Joseph.
After devoting time to raising her two sons, Catherine returned to the workforce, where she was a Nursing Instructor at Baystate Medical Center School of Nursing. Her granddaughter would argue that one of the most valuable skills she could teach to other nurses was giving great back rubs (A.K.A. massages for circulation).
Catherine is preceded by her beloved husband, Alfonso, who passed in 1995. She is also preceded by her parents and dear sisters, Josephine and Carol. She leaves behind her two sons: her eldest, Gerard (Robin) of Westfield, MA; two granddaughters: Ashley Zecca of Arlington, VA and Madeline Zecca of Westfield, MA. Son, Joseph (Sarah) of San Diego, CA and two young grandsons: Luke, 10, and Mark, 8. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, especially niece Karen Carrier, of Feeding Hills, MA, whom Catherine regarded as a daughter.
Visiting hours for Catherine will be held on Monday, January 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Home in Westfield, MA. Her funeral will be held at 10 a.m. at Firtion-Adams followed by a funeral mass at Catherine’s longtime, home parish, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield, Massachusetts, where she was a dedicated Communicant, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23rd. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield. www.firtionadams.com
