Donate in Memory of Catherine Dudley
Obituary: Catherine Dudley
Published in The Boston Globe on March 15, 2015
On Thursday, March 12, 2015, a bright light left this world. In what seems to be the twinkling of an eye, a force of nature has moved on. Cathy Dudley died from complications due to ALS at her home in Westwood at the age of 54. She was surrounded by some of those whom she loved best: her husband, Tony; her son, Jack; her daughter, Eve; her parents, Frederick Dudley, and his wife Bebe; her mother, Gretchen Stella, wife of the late Anthony Stella; and her dear friend and caregiver, Elizabeth Burke.
In addition to family members mentioned above, Cathy leaves her beloved brothers: Mark Dudley and his wife Maria Thomas, and Peter Dudley and his wife Maria Dudley. She is the cherished daughter-in-law of Thelma and the late Robert Takazawa. Sister-in-law of Robert Takazawa, Jr. and his wife Debbie, Sister Mary Magdalene, D.L.J.C., Patrice Huffman and Michelle and Gerard Erickson.
Cathy was a devoted mother, loving wife, passionate volunteer and engaged friend, as well as a successful financial professional. She grew up as the oldest of three children in South Glastonbury, CT, a suburban community that prided itself on having more horses and cows than people.
Cathy graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut with Bachelor degrees in German and Economics. In college, Cathy traveled extensively with friends, including Amsterdam, Germany, and Greece. She felt strongly that her educational opportunity at UConn enabled her career path, and later returned to UConn as a Trustee of The University of Connecticut Foundation, to promote educational opportunities for others. She also endowed the Catherine Dudley Scholarship Fund for UConn students studying abroad and majoring in German or Economics.
After college, Cathy landed a job at Phoenix Investment Counsel in Hartford, CT, where she met her husband, Tony Takazawa. Cathy and Tony juggled their parallel careers over several years and through CT, NY and into MA, and finally both landed in the greater Boston area. In May 2014, she retired from Wells Fargo Investment Management to focus on her family and her health.
She loved traveling with her family to Kiawah Island, Hawaii, the Galapagos, France, and Italy. She loved good food (but not soy products!) and good wine, and visitors to her home were always treated to the best of both. Cathy was an avid reader, skier, golfer, and hiker.
She was an ever present volunteer in the Westwood community, officially serving on the Board of the Foundation for Westwood Education and volunteering for the National Charity League, Blue Hill Chapter. She also donated frequently and generously to numerous charities including Becket Chimney Corners YMCA, Westwood Community Chest and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Cathy’s long history of service and generosity are in the memories of her many friends and colleagues. She and her family hope to keep her memory alive and serve the needs of those with ALS by providing a lasting memorial at Compassionate Care ALS in Cathy’s honor. Donations to CCALS are most appreciated.
