In Memory of

Catherine

Critchlow

Obituary for Catherine Critchlow

“The saddest moment in life is when the person who gave you the best memories, becomes a memory themselves.”

Catherine ‘Kay’ Daigle Critchlow, 90 years of age, of Colchester VT accepted God’s invite into Heaven on February 24th, 2023, after navigating through life’s affliction with Alzheimers, with the utmost of dignity & grace.

‘Kay’ was the eldest of seven, born to Richard & Isabelle Daigle of Winooski, VT, on January 30, 1933.

After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1950, Kay became the espoused wife to the love of her life, Glen J. Critchlow, Jr., in 1952. With this beautiful union, seven children were exuberantly introduced to complete their family!


Kay busied herself with several roles in her life: Secretary to the State’s Attorney, Paraprofessional at Memorial School in the Remedial Reading program, and held multiple positions in the retail industry at Magrams Department Store, The Alpine Shop and DePaul’s Shoe Store.

In addition to the above, Kay also served on the school board for St Francis Xavier School, dedicated her time as a den mother for her son’s cub scout troop, and perfectly teamed with her husband Glen - they were educators in the CCD Religious program.

The most loved and steadfast role that Kay perfected was one of Motherhood! Her lessons and examples were honest, moral and filled with compassion and an abundance of love. Support and encouragement were generously bestowed on every one. Kay was never irresolute in her commitment to her Catholic faith. She lived every day selflessly and spiritually - never one without the other. This was her mission, that was her calling.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that Kay is mourned by her husband Glen Critchlow, Jr., her loving and faithful soulmate of 71 years.

Deeply grieving are her children and their spouses: Karen & Jeff Davis, Gayle & Oliver Gardner, Susan & Robert Pepper, Tom & Cynthia Critchlow, Glen & Wendy Critchlow, Mark & Patricia Critchlow and Robin & Gary Bourdeau.

Following in sorrow are her 17 Grandchildren & their loves: Jeffrey & Kelly, Whitney & Max, Hayley & Brad, Benjamin & Stacy, Molly & Ryan, Andrew & Michelle, Abby & Seth, Ryan & Alex, Tyler & Whitney, Tom & Tenylle, Glen & Amber, John & Cassie, Meghan & Steve, Emily & Michael, Madison, Kiley & Colin, Olivia & Michael.

Truly missing their Nana are her 10 Great-Grandchildren: James, Harper, Kinsley, Hayden, Wyatt, Ezra, Reina, Reed, Eve, Baby Marley and two sweet souls ‘Nana’ is holding until their full-term arrivals!


Kay’s petite, canine companion named ‘Zeus’, brought her hours of companionship, loyalty and love. He so misses his Nana as well.

Kay is survived by her three siblings and their husbands: Doris & Albert Stevens, Richard & Janet Daigle, Irene Thibodeau, and a multitude of nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Gone before her, but not forgotten are her parents, 3 siblings: Charlie, Jimmy & Carolyn, Mother-in-law/Father-in-law: Rose ‘Gigi’ & Glen Critchlow, Sr., Sister-in-law/Brother-in-law: Barbara & Norman DeForge, and infant granddaughter: Kelsey Critchlow Pepper, who can’t wait for her ‘Nana time!’

Cherished friends awaiting her celestial arrival are: ‘Rit’ McClintock, Susie & Bob LaVigne, John Burns and the infamous ‘Cuscadee’ golf crew of 12!

With heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, we are indebted to the professional and personal care from Dr. James T. Boyd and Dr. Suzanne M. Kennedy, the loving and gentle care of Kay’s caregivers: Donna, Peggy & Louise, the lifelong friendship and support of Mary McClintock, and our trusted advisor and dear friend, Tom LaVigne. To our generous and caring Carpenter/DeForge cousins, who kept us over-nourished, supported and so loved…we thank you!

We would be remiss not to give nod to Monsignor LaValley - Mom & Dad’s spiritual guide, mentor and revered friend since his arrival to St Francis Xavier Parish, who brought balance into our broken hearts, and calmness with his blessings and visits. In his presence, Mom was in Heaven before she got there. To Deacon Tom McCormick, Kathleen Bush and Lynn McClintock - our blessed messengers of peace, love and assurances…we thank you as well.

Kay’s last stop before her eternal destination was The McClure Miller Respite House. We are inexpressible with finding the right words to voice our gratitude. You validated for all of us that Angels truly do accompany those in transition. You absorbed our emotions with compassion, tolerance, fragility and love. Your halos shine so brightly!

Visitation will take place at LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St, Winooski, VT, on Wednesday, March 1st from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Thursday, March 2nd at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Resurrection Park, 200 Hinesburg Rd, South Burlington, VT

In lieu of flowers, our family would be grateful if you would consider a donation in Kay’s memory, to support the following options:

Frederick C. Binter Center
The University of Vermont Medical Center
℅ James T. Boyd, MD
1 South Prospect St
Burlington, VT 05401
802-847-4589
https://give.uvmhealth.org/give/190000/#!/donation/checkout


McClure Miller Respite House
Development Office
℅ UVM Network - Home Health & Hospice
1110 Prim Road
Colchester, VT 05446
802-860-4475
(In the ‘Area You Wish To Support’ dropdown list, select The McLure Miller Respite House option)
https://www.uvmhomehealth.org/donations/make-an-online-donation/