Catherine T. Nabstedt

Catherine T. “Cay” (Shea) Nabstedt, a devoted home health aide for many years, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. She was 77.

Cay was born in Boston and raised in the city’s South Boston neighborhood. Even prior to her graduation from Girls High School, her upbringing had instilled her with deep values for family and hard work that guided her throughout her life.

As a home health aide, Cay cared for many people over many years. Countless families relied on her to care and support loved ones sometimes staying with patients right until their deaths and with their families for long after. This was a hallmark of her commitment to serving others.

She had boundless energy, which allowed her to balance caring for her patients and being a devoted mother and grandmother to her seven children and fifteen grandchildren while still leaving time to enjoy life through travel and cooking. In her travels, she visited family in Ireland several times and visited several other European nations including Iceland. At home, she shared her love of food by serving as a gracious host and excellent chef.

In all that she did, Cay focused her attention on others. Whether raising her children, caring for patients or working at the polls for elections in Quincy, Cay put others before herself.

Cay was the beloved wife of James J. Nabstedt, the devoted mother of James L. Nabstedt and his wife Debra of Quincy, Judith L. Nabstedt of Eastham, Richard D. Nabstedt and his wife Jeanne of Medford, Edward J. Nabstedt of Quincy, Stephen D. Nabstedt and his wife Treshia of Scituate, Patricia A. Nabstedt of Norwood and Joseph P. Nabstedt, QPD and his wife Leah of Braintree; the loving “Gramma” to Jessica Ayers and her husband Jason, Jimmy, Chris, Cassie, Julie, Nick, Rachael, Ava, Gil, Max, Ted, Quinn, Patrick, Jack and Danny Nabstedt and to her great-granddaughter, Lily. She was also the sister of Patrick J. Shea of Chelsea, John Shea of Quincy, Denise Keliipio of HI and the late Mary Sweeney and James Shea.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Tuesday 2-4 & 6-9 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at Wednesday at 9:00 AM prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Quincy at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Donations in Cay’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks 85 Devonshire St., 9th Floor Boston, MA 02109 or www.autismspeaks.org.