Catherine J. Filipkowski

"Catherine Joan (Szutowicz) Filipkowski passed away on August 11, 2016 leaving behind many heavy hearts. She was born in Roebling, NJ on June 29, 1929 to the late Alexander and Catherine Slaba Szutowicz. She resided for most of her life in South Deerfield, MA prior to moving to Belchertown, MA in 1995. Catherine was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Filipkowski (d. 2014) and both were inseparable during their 60 years of marriage. Cat, as she was fondly called, was a humorous, caring and gentle soul, but her hugs were strong and heartfelt. She was a friend of many. She enjoyed to read self-improvement articles and pass on what she had learned to her loved ones. Cat loved her animals, relaxed by watching the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, or a Sunday PGA tournament, especially when Tiger Woods was in his prime. Weekend rides with Joe were common, while they enjoyed their polka music and visited friends, especially Ed and Felicia Baronas. Cat was interested in the weather and fascinated by low flying C5 galaxies. Her summer years as a teen were spent in Fenwick, CT, along with her sister Alice and lifelong friend Rosalie, as they worked with fond memories as housemaids for the parents of Katherine Hepburn. Upon graduation from Deerfield High School, she began a professional career as a telephone operator. Upon her marriage, she then devoted the remainder of her life, to her husband Joseph and family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Charles and Theodore, and is survived by her sister, Alice. She also leaves her sons, James E. Filipkowski (Brenda) of Greenfield and Edward J. Filipkowski (Andrea) of Belchertown, grandchildren James Jr. (Natalie), Andrea Sabin (Ryan) and Alexis, as well as several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at the Massachusetts Veteran's Cemetery Chapel in Agawam, MA., where she was laid to rest alongside Joe--reunited with him in spirit and much deserved peace. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 AM in the St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. "