Catherine M. (McMaster) Whitney, 93, Whittier Secretary

Catherine M. (McMaster) Whitney, 93, 0f Haverhill, passed away at the Lawrence General Hospital on Friday, Nov. 27, with her family by her side.

Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of, William J. and Jane (Doherty) McMaster. The family moved to Merrimac where she was educated. She was a graduate of Merrimack High School, class of 1939. She continued her education, graduating from McIntosh Business School.

Whitney was employed as an executive secretary for the superintendent of the Whittier Regional High school for more than 25 years, retiring in 1989. She spent her summers on York Beach, and enjoyed travels to Ogunquit and back home to St. John to visit family. She was an avid Red Sox fan and relished her morning “caffeine fix” with her son. A lover of animals, she owned dogs, cats and a bird. She will always be remembered by her wit, humor, and spirit. Admired by many, she was a great inspiration to all who knew her.

She leaves her only son, Robert E. Whitney and his wife, Pamela (Porter), of Haverhill, four cherished grandchildren, Steven Mahar and his wife, Courtney, Julie Wilkinson and her partner, Michael Blaisdell, Paul Whittier, and Melissa Upham and her husband, Toby. Catherine is also survived by several great grandchildren, and a great great grandson. She was predeceased by her daughters, Sandra Whittier, and Pamela Mahar, and a grandson, Kevin Mahar.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Calling hours will precede the service from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, or Joslin Diabetes Center Development Office, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.