Southbridge: Catherine (Wojtyto) Labuda, 97, of Crestview Dr., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19 ^th , in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, with her loving family at her side.

Her husband, Michael Labuda, passed away in 2005 and her son, Stanley Michael Labuda passed away in 1988.  She leaves her daughter, Diane C. Checkosky and her husband Robert of Hopkinton; her beloved grandchildren, Sarah Checkosky of South Boston, Olivia Checkosky and Grace Checkosky, both of Hopkington and Mark Labuda and his wife Jamie and their children Luka and Ava of Westerville, OH ; and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her five sisters, Wladyslawa Kadziewicz, Janina Mikina, Stefania Mika, Stanislawa Mekal and Katazyna Wojtyto who died at an early age.  Catherine was born in Klyz, Poland in 1925 the daughter of Wojciech and Zofia (Janeczek) Wojtyto and came to the United States many years ago.

Catherine worked for the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for over 25 years, retiring many years ago.  She previously worked at Westwood Textile in Southbridge.  She was a longtime member of the former St. Hedwig's Parish, now St. John Paul II Parish, in Southbridge and a member of its Holy Rosary Sodality.  She was also a member of the Pilsudski Polish American Citizens Club in Southbridge and the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary in Southbridge.

She enjoyed gardening, shopping, and spending time with her immediate and extended family.  She was known for her great Polish cooking and her tidy home.  She loved coffee and conversation with anyone who visited.  Above all, she loved her family, and most especially her beloved grandchildren.  She also loved visits from 'Tilly', her daughter's dog.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 ^nd , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Southbridge.  A calling hour in the funeral home will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 ^nd , from 9:30 to 10:30am, prior to the Mass.