LEWISTON — “Kitty” Catherine E. Ross Flaherty, 78, of Rumford passed away peacefully July 11, at Central Maine Medical Center, where she had been a patient for days with her loving husband, Fred and family by her side. Kitty’s father’s parents came from Lithuania and she was very proud of her heritage.

She was born in Rumford, Aug. 3, 1931, the daughter of John and Agnes (Thibodeau) Ross. She graduated from Stephens High School in 1949. She attended Madigan Memorial School of Nursing in Houlton, where she became a registered nurse. Kitty’s caring nature and personality were her assets as a nurse. She loved life and would say living is a challenge. She enjoyed working with the public and her fun loving spirit was ever moving.

In 1954, she married her husband Fred, whom she met her senior year in high school on a trip to Washington, D.C. They became penpals and best friends and together they celebrated 56 years of marriage and raised four children.

For years Kitty worked for Dr. Royal and did private duty nursing. After 51 years of nursing, she hung up her nurses’ cap due to ill health. Kitty was a 36-year survivor of cancer and on November 27, she celebrated this day as a birthday and felt she was given another chance at life. Kitty’s passion was playing Beano with the girls and spending time with her family and weekends “Upta Camp.”

Kitty is survived by her loving husband, Fred of 56 years of Rumford Point; a daughter, Patty Flaherty and companion, Steve Lizotte, of Rumford Point; sons, John Flaherty and his wife, Andrea, of Rumford and Tim Flaherty of Rumford Point; Kitty will also be greatly missed by her eight grandchildren, whom she adored and spent much time with, Sara (Lizotte) Dayon and her husband, Ryan, of Rumford, Steven Lizotte of Rumford Point, Jessica Voter and her husband, Norman, of Lewiston, Tisheena Flaherty, Tia Flaherty, Timmy Flaherty and Karen Flaherty, all of Rumford and Chris Flaherty of Presque Isle; she also had three great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Agnes Ross; her sister, Anne Fongemie of Florida; and eldest son, James.

Kitty loved and lived her life to the fullest to the very end.