Lois C. Heenehan


Lois C. Heenehan (nee: Catherman), a resident at the Doolittle Home in Foxborough, MA, passed away at age 89 on November 25, 2019. Born on July 19, 1930 in Jamaica, Queens, NY, she was the only daughter of the late Logan and Maud (Carson) Catherman. She grew up in Floral Park, NY, and graduated Adelphi University in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Drama, and from New York University’s School of Education with a Master of Arts in February, 1955.
Lois taught English and speech in the New York City and northern New Jersey school systems, as well as being the drama director of student plays at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
A lifelong member of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, she was a Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipient in 2002 for her longtime service as an adviser to Delta Phi Chapter— Bucknell; Province Director of Chapters; and Associate Editor of The Key and Editorial Board member for four decades. In 2014, she was honored for her 65 years of membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma. Lois married her first husband in 1954, with whom she had three children.
She wed her late husband, Paul F. Heenehan, in December, 1979, and they loved, laughed, and enjoyed their retirement living in central Pennsylvania for the next 18 years until his passing, subsequently moving to MA to be closer to family.

Lois is survived by her three children, David R. Whittaker (Jennifer, and their son, Beau) of Lakeview Terrace, CA, Linda L. Whittaker of Tewksbury, MA, and Diane S. Whittaker (Robert Morrow) of Stoughton, MA and her five stepchildren, Marguerite Heenehan of Westport, MA, Michael Heenehan (Mary Ann) of Niantic, CT, William Heenehan (Marna) of Ipswich, MA, Paul Heenehan (Marian) of Mansfield, MA, and Mark Heenehan (Belinda) of Teddington, England. She was blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as countless four-pawed grand-dogs and grand-cats. Anyone who knew Lois knew if she saw a dog on a walk, she would stop to say hello. Her love of animals (especially slobbery pups) allowed her to make new friends and carry on conversations with complete strangers on the street, much to her kids’ amusement. Lois lived a very full life, and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. But she is with her dear husband, Paul, and we will all see her once we move on with our own lives.
Finally, the family wants to thank the wonderful staff at the Doolittle Home, Foxboro, MA, for taking such good care of Lois and making her smile.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Lois’s name to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

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5 Condolences

  1. Rene Grazul on December 1, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    Condolences to the Heenehan family.



  2. Ronnie McKeen on December 1, 2019 at 5:41 pm

    A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. I loved the smiling picture. That’s how I remember her. Ronnie McKeen



  3. Patricia Mulligan on December 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm

    Please accept my sincerest sympathy. Even though I got to know Lois for a short time, we always had a good time together. May she Rest In Peace. Love, Patty Mulligan



  4. Diane S. Whittaker on December 3, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Miss you Mom, so very much. Every minute of every day. I love you, always.



  5. Jenny Hoover on December 21, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    To Lois’s family, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers for peace. Lois was a longtime Kappa sister, friend and mentor. We worked together on THE KEY magazine for many years. She taught me so much about good writing, quiet leadership and friendship. We enjoyed many editorial board meetings and Kappa conventions together. I miss her wry sense of humor, encouraging words, dedication and loyalty. She loved her family and friends deeply. I am grateful to have called her my friend and mentor.



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