Katherine Antaya

WINCHENDON - Katherine L. (Griffin) Antaya, 98, died Saturday, July 16th in Charlton Manor Rest Home after declining health.  Before she spent many years living in Cutler, Maine with her sister, Frances and then later at the homes of her two daughters, Louise and Marie.

Kay better known as “Ma” is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Joseph E. Antaya, Sr. better known as “Popeye”, a son, Joseph E. Antaya, Jr and a daughter, Nancy A. Karsok.  She leaves three sons, John Antaya  and his wife Pat of Paxton, Paul Antaya and his wife, Lisa of Sutton and Peter Antaya and his wife, Pat of Sutton; two daughters, Louise Dubois of Winchendon and Marie Angers and her husband, Richard of Sturbridge; a daughter-in- law, Donna Antaya of Webster; 16 grandchildren that were the light of her life, Shelly, John, Rich Jr, Nicole, Kate, Tim, Chris, Matt, Jessica, Dan, Joel, Nathan, Stephanie, Joe, David and Sherry; 23 great grandchildren with one due in September; two sisters, Norma Hall and her husband, Hovey and Frances Lord all of Lubec of Maine; she also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Kay was born in Machias, Maine to Loring and Helena (Dennison) Griffin.  She attended schools in Cutler and Machias, Maine and later moved to Wiscasset, Maine where she met the love of her life Joe who was stationed in Damariscotta, Maine serving in the United States Army before being deployed overseas during World War II.  Kay moved to Worcester MA, Joe’s hometown where they started their family, moving to Millbury in 1955.  Kay and Joe enjoyed many years at their camp on Narraguagus Lake in Franklin, Maine.

The family would like to thank JHC Hospice for their wonderful care of “Ma”, especially Nicole, in her final days.  We would also like to thank the Charlton Manor Rest Home and all the staff for the love and care they showed our mother.  We will always have you in our hearts.  Betty, words cannot express how we feel towards you.  You made mom feel so welcomed and safe.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Family and friends will remember and celebrate Kay’s life with a time of visitation on Thursday, July 21st from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street in Millbury.  Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Church, 59 N. Main Street in Millbury.  Burial will be private.  Please omit flowers and memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.