Sturbridge: Catherine (Chaousis) Vangel, 95, formerly of Glover St., Southbridge, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6 ^th , at home while receiving care from her family and Overlook Home Care and Hospice.

Her husband of 54 years, Samuel C. Vangel, passed away in 2007.  She leaves her daughter, Ellen M. Vangel-Brousseau; her son, Anthony S. Vangel; her brother, Christos Chaousis; her four grandchildren, Wesley Vangel and his wife Chelsea, Kaylee (Vangel) Prochilo and her husband Anthony, Larissa Vangel, and Catherine Brousseau; and her two great granddaughters, Kennedy Vangel and Eloise Vangel.  She was predeceased by four sisters; Harriet, Joanne, Sophie, and Henrietta; and three other brothers; Jimmy, Louie ("Dusty"), and George. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Edward C. Brousseau, this past September.  She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Catherine, ("Cathie"), was born in Marlborough to Costas and Ellen (Koukourlis) Chaousis.  Even decades removed, Cathie could story tell a map of her childhood neighborhood; the daily hijinks of her 8 siblings, admiration of her hardworking and kind Greek-immigrant parents, and the business of other children and adults from varying cultures and traditions.

Cathie's organization and cleverness made her a star recruit for a career as a medical lab technician. Solo, she would take a bus to Worcester City Hospital from Marlborough while training in the early 1950s. She was quickly fluent in medical language in part due to knowledge of Greek & roots of words (and would educate anyone who would listen). Her longest tenure was full-time at Harrington Hospital, where Cathie could famously "draw blood from a stone".

Perhaps Cathie's biggest accomplishment was raising two empathic and curious children, while balancing her difficult job, extended family obligations, and beloved and occasionally mischievous husband. Sam's sense of humor, and Cathie's dedication made them the most excellent grandparents, as well. All of their grandchildren have fond memories of playing, chasing golf balls, sleeping over in the upstairs bedroom, and celebrating many holidays around the table. She was a longtime member, Sunday school director, and choir member of St George's Greek Orthodox Church in Southbridge, MA.  Prior, she was also a Choir Director at St. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Marlborough, MA.

Cathie loved to learn about others, and share anecdotes - about growing up, adventures with her husband and family, her work, and even her first job working on a factory assembly line (she was admittedly, not great at this one). The last years of her busy life were spent in tranquility and good spirits at her daughter and son-in-law 's home. Cathie could often be found enjoying the back porch (built by her son-in-law, she'd be quick to say) watching sports (don't get her started on the importance of a goalie), singing Greek songs ingrained firmly in memory, and relishing visits with her grandchildren - and eventually adorable and rambunctious great grandchildren.

She, and her strength and beauty, are already dearly missed.

Catherine's funeral service and burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge, will be private.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 25, Southbridge, MA 01550 or to the Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA 01507.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.