Catherine C. (Sullivan) Kamal, 89, of Haverhill, MA, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Kamal Jr. in 2010.  Cathy joined Joe in Heaven for a belated celebration as they would have celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary on Sept. 24 ^th .

Born on March 22, 1932, in Orange, NJ, Catherine was the daughter of William and Mary Jane (Norton) Sullivan. She grew up in Haverhill, MA, and graduated from St. James High School. She received her Registered Nursing degree in NJ and worked as a visiting nurse in NJ and NY before returning to the Merrimack Valley where she met the love of her life.  She was an O.R. nurse at the Hale Hospital in Haverhill and an E.R. nurse at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen for over 25 years until her retirement. She loved being a nurse and was known for donating Joe's clothes to those who frequented the E.R. in need (unbeknownst to Joe).

One of nine children, Cathy's loving, caring nature began at a young age, helping to take care of her younger siblings.  Cathy always made family a priority and loved spending time with relatives and friends. Cathy loved to bake, and her famous black moons became a regular staple at every family event.  She was a devout Catholic, a member of All Saints Parish in Haverhill, MA, and taught C.C.D. classes for many years.  Cathy had a soft spot in her heart for any and all charities, always putting the needs of others before her own, never boasting or looking for accolades.  She was the epitome of unselfishness.

As a mother of five children, Cathy led by example, showing how a strong woman could balance both a large family and a career.  Cathy and Joe raised their five children in Methuen and moved to Haverhill, MA. after retiring.  With more time on her hands, Cathy adored her new role as a grandmother.  The spark in her eyes as she would get down on the floor to play with the little ones was amazing.  She and Joe loved to travel, cook, and play cards with friends.  They enjoyed their nightly ritual of playing best two-out-of-three in backgammon for $1 before watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together.  They truly loved each other's company.

Cathy always had a passion for traveling and would often offer advice saying, "Travel when you're young.  Go see the world!"  She treasured the memories of her trips: a cross-country road trip with her college roommate, yearly summer adventures with her husband and five kids, trips abroad to England and Ireland with her siblings, visiting her sister in St. Croix, the numerous cruises with her husband with friends, and many other adventures.

Even after being robbed of her memory as a result of Alzheimer's, Cathy continued to brighten the lives of so many.  Her happy-go-lucky attitude inspired those around her to be a better version of themselves.  From caregivers to her friends at Sarah's Place Too to strangers in the grocery store, Cathy would constantly utter kind words of thankfulness that warmed everyone's heart.  She always said, "Never lose your sense of humor!" Those were words that encompassed the true essence and core of who Cathy was as a person.  While there is sadness in her passing, there is great comfort in knowing she is at peace in Heaven with her beloved husband.

Catherine will be deeply missed by her children, Joseph Kamal III and his wife Julie of Mesa, AZ, Mitchell Kamal and his wife Christine of Pelham, NH, Christine Sanborn of Effingham, NH, and Elizabeth Lavoie and her husband Eric of Methuen, MA; nine grandchildren, Brandi, Carlton, Mitchell Jr, Bradford, Jonathan, Samantha, Trevor, Derek, and Alicia; siblings, Frances Jean-Baptiste of Florida and Michael and Barbara Sullivan of Haverhill, MA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her son, Philip Kamal; son-in-law, Scott Sanborn; siblings, Mary Jane Sullivan, William Sullivan, Helen Shoemaker, Joseph Sullivan, James Sullivan, and John Sullivan.

The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers at Sarah's Place Too, the loving home health aides, Val, Sammie, and Jeanette who helped get Cathy up and ready for the day, and the wonderful staff at Beacon Hospice for all of their support.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 2 ^nd from 10:00AM – 12:15PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH 03079, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00PM at All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830. Burial to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com