Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Catherine Ann (McCarthy) Lawson, lovingly known as “Cathy,” age 78, of Dracut, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 28, 2026.
Born in Medford on August 14, 1947, Cathy was the cherished daughter of the late James A. and Mary (MacDougall) McCarthy. She was raised in Medford, graduated from Medford High School, and continued her education at Chamberlain Junior College.
On August 30, 1969, Cathy married William F. “Bill” Lawson. Together they shared a devoted marriage and, in 1976, made Wilmington their home, where they lovingly raised their three children, Mary Beth, Billy Jr., and Paula. Cathy’s home was always full of family, friends, and fun. Her door was always open, and she had a remarkable way of making everyone who entered feel welcomed, comfortable, and loved. Many will especially remember the Christmas Eve gatherings she hosted over the years, when family and friends came together to celebrate the season and enjoy the joy and hospitality that Cathy so naturally shared. After many happy years in Wilmington, Cathy and Bill retired to Dracut but continued to keep their friendships and connections to Wilmington.
Throughout her career, Cathy worked for several local real estate companies, where her warm personality immediately put people at ease. Gifted with a natural ability to connect with others, she developed lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Her extensive knowledge of the real estate market, combined with her genuine care for the people she served, earned her the trust and respect of many. She was also actively involved in local and national real estate associations, where she held various board leadership roles and was highly regarded by her industry peers. Cathy retired from Leading Edge Real Estate in Reading, MA ten years ago and thoroughly enjoyed her retirement.
Family was always the center of Cathy’s life; she was a devoted wife, mother, and a loving Nuna to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Cathy was always there to support her family and celebrate their milestones in life; she was very proud of the family that she and Bill created. She cherished traveling, making treasured memories with her family during trips to Florida, especially Walt Disney World, the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire, and Hawaii. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Nuna,” not only to her own family but also to their many friends, Cathy embraced everyone with warmth, love, and an open heart.
Cathy will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile, warm spirit, and natural ability to draw people to her. She truly loved being around people and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. A natural social butterfly, she enjoyed catching up, sharing stories, and spending time with others over a good meal and a glass of wine, always making everyone feel welcomed and included. Many will also remember Cathy as a wonderful listener who showed genuine interest and care for others. Her laughter could fill a room, and her kindness touched countless lives. Above all, her unwavering love and devotion to her family will remain her greatest legacy, carried forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Cathy was the beloved wife of the late William F. “Bill” Lawson. She was the devoted mother of Mary Beth Basnett and her husband, Mark, of Dracut, Bill Lawson Jr. and his wife, Gwen, of Wilmington, and Paula Kerrigan of Dracut. She was the loving “Nuna” of Markie and his partner, Joanne, Christopher, Caylie and her husband, Ryan, Jacqueline and her fiancée, Devon, Dominic, Will, Colin, Ryan and his wife, Arianna, Kailyn and her partner, Corey, Kathryn, and Andrew; and the cherished great-grandmother of Colton, Avery, Grace, Madelyn, Stella, and Braxton. Cathy was the dear sister of Ronald McCarthy and his wife, Margee, of Inverness, Nova Scotia, Janice Jordan and her late husband, Edward “Teddy,” of Bedford, James McCarthy of Fort Myers, Florida, Geraldine Wilcox of Bedford, and the late Daniel McCarthy. She is also survived by her loving companion, Tom Kobrenski, whose kindness and companionship meant so much to her and brought her much happiness; her brother-in-law, Ralph Lawson and his wife, Janet, of Plaistow, NH; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Her funeral will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cathy’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of one’s choice.
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