September 17, 1931 – December 13, 2023
Catherine (“Kay”) Roberts Willson of Beverly, MA, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023, in her
home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Reading, MA, to parents Vera Buckle Roberts
and Carl Weston Roberts. Kay was married to her late husband Derick for 62 years.
Kay graduated from Reading High School and Vermont College. She began her career as an executive
administrative assistant at the First Federal Saving and Loan Association in Boston MA. After raising her
three children, she continued her professional career at Parts Warehouse Services and Connolly
Brothers in Beverly.
A longtime resident of Beverly, Kay was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Cove Community
Center and a volunteer for the Cove School PTA. Kay traveled with her family across the country and she
enjoyed many trips to Europe with her husband. During her high school and college years, Kay was an
extraordinary athlete, playing basketball, softball and tennis, and she continued her love of sports as an
avid Boston sports fan. Kay loved the North Shore Music theatre and the Boston Pops. She loved her
“car rides,” particularly traveling down the Northshore coastline, recalling the many memories and
friends she had spent time with over the years. Kay loved baking, always having daily fresh baked goods
available for her family and friends. As she said untold times before anyone left the house, “Have
another cookie.”
Throughout her life, Kay was surrounded by loving family, neighbors and friends. She had many lifelong
friends who shared the admirable traits of kindness, generosity and warmth. Her beautiful smile and
laughter was contagious. Kay was a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother. She cherished
her time with her children and grandchildren, always loyal and committed to their activities of choice.
She is survived by her children; Susan Willson-Goucher and son-in-law Mark, Derick Willson Jr. and
daughter-in-law Judy, Cynthia DiVincenzo and son-in-law Ronald. She adored her eight grandchildren,
Taryn Palmiero, Eric and Timothy Goucher, Tyler and David Willson and Derick, Devin and Robert
DiVincenzo.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2024. Relatives and friends are invited to
attend. Graveside services will be private. Donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens
Research Hospital or St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Beverly.
