Catherine E. Comeau

Dr. Catherine E. Comeau, of Billerica, formerly a longtime resident of Belmont, died on Saturday, March 22, 2014. She was 87. A daughter of the late Alphonse and Zoe (Saulnier) Comeau, she leaves her sister Laura Duffy, sister-in-law Jane Comeau, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and her close friend Gwenne Hume.  She was predeceased by her brothers Ernest, Francois and Edward Comeau.
Dr. Comeau received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University Sargent College, Master of Arts Degree with Specialization in Administration of Health and Physical Education from Columbia University, and Doctor of Education Degree from Boston University. Dr. Comeau served on the faculty of Bridgewater State University from 1952 to 1962, then left to become a faculty member at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. In 1970, she returned to Bridgewater State University and remained until she retired in 1984.  She was the chair of the women’s physical education department, and then the combined men’s and women’s physical education department, for 12 years.
During her 33-year tenure, Dr. Comeau was a national figure in her field and held numerous prestigious positions.  In addition, she authored A Noble Legacy: Physical Education Major 1937 – 1987 Bridgewater State College.
Each year the alumni association of Bridgewater State University presents the Dr. Catherine E. Comeau Award for Professional Achievement to a worthy graduate who is an influential role model from the department of Movement Arts, Health Promotion, and Leisure Studies.
Dr. Comeau spent many memorable summers in her family’s ancestral home in Meteghan, Nova Scotia.  There she enjoyed fishing, blueberry picking, digging for clams and good times with her extended family and friends.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Catherine’s visiting hours in the Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home, 52 Trapelo Road Belmont, Thursday, March 27 from 4-7 p.m.  Her funeral will be from the funeral home on Friday at 8 a.m.  followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, 130 Common St., Belmont at  9 a.m.  Interment Belmont Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Catherine’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, would be sincerely appreciated. swdfuneralhome.com.

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