Cathryn J. Center Obituary (1929

Cathryn J. (Joslin) Center, 95, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Bruce C. Center with whom she shared 35 years of marriage until his passing in 1987. She was born in Wilton, NH, on January 23, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Perry E. and Louise (Mason) Joslin. She attended a small one-room schoolhouse in Lyndeborough, NH and Milford High School in Milford, NH. Also, she attended Northfield Schools in Gill, MA, Colby Junior College for Women in New London, NH, and Syracuse University majoring in philosophy and journalism. After receiving her B.A., she went to New York City to work for a publishing company. She married Bruce, an M.I.T. Graduate, in 1952. They lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana for four years before settling in Chelmsford. She raised four children. When her youngest reached junior high, she taught kindergarten for seven years while taking education courses at Lowell State. Then she went into banking for fifteen years. Cathryn was an avid traveler, taking trips to Europe, Eastern Europe, (then behind barbed wire), South America, Russia, China (leaving Beijing the morning before the massacre in Tienanmen Square), Hong Kong, Greece, England, and Scotland. Also, she motored through the western states, enjoying the national parks. She joined the Central Congregational Church in the early 90's, where she served as a deacon for a time. She found many friends there, and attended Crafters, New Horizons, and Bible Study, among several other church activities. Cathryn is survived by her family, Timothy M. Center and his wife, Diane Center of New London, NH, Andrea L. Center and her husband, Robert M. Miller of Colchester, VT, and Jonathan B. Center of Chelmsford, MA; and three grandchildren, Stephanie D. Bartlett, of Dedham, MA, Eric J. DeMarco of Lowell, MA, and Elsa C. Miller of Colchester, VT. Sadly, she was predeceased by her daughter, Jennifer C. Lord, sister, Marilyn J. Aycrigg, and brother, Perry E. Joslin. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 5:00 7:00 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, March 29 at 10 am in the funeral home. Interment will be held privately for close family. Service Details Visitation When March 28, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When March 29, 2024 10:00am Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824