Catherine “Cathy” Georgeanna (Blanchard) Douglas, 70, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 30, 2026. She was born on March 30, 1955 in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Thurman Eugene and Genevieve Catherine (Jenkins) Blanchard.

In 1968, at the tender age of 12, she was baptized in Jesus’ Name at Pentecostal Assembly Church, 201 Cherry Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. She later received the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues, on August 2, 1968. She was educated in the Waterbury School System and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1973. Catherine later attended the Stone School of Business at Gateway Community College.

She married the love of her life, William Richard Douglas, on October 13, 1990. Their union was blessed with two sons, William Richard Jr. in 1991 and Christopher Marshall in 1992.

Cathy was most notably employed by the New Haven Public Schools while her boys were being educated there. She enjoyed being just steps away, often dropping in on them in class to make sure they were behaving. She was a diligent worker, staying with the school system even after both her boys graduated. She was employed in many capacities including The Chubb Corporation, and more recently LifeBridge Community Services.

Alongside her family and career, Cathy was a devoted worker in the Kingdom, serving in many capacities in her home churches, the Connecticut District Council and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Incorporated.

While at Pentecostal Assembly Church, she spent time as a Sunday School teacher, the Junior Missionary President, and sang in the Young People and Missionary choirs. She also assisted in junior church, was the Assistant President of the Young People, the Sunday School secretary and an usher. She also received her local minister credentials under this ministry.

In the late 1970s, Cathy became a member of Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church. While there, she remained faithful serving in many capacities such as an usher, Sunday School teacher, a member of the prayer ministry, the baptism ministry and an altar worker. Cathy also served as the director of junior church and a member of the Missionaries serving time as the chaplain. Cathy was a member of Ebenezer Chapel in the early 1990s and returned to Beulah Heights Church in 2001 where she remained until her passing.

Beyond her local congregation, Cathy was a member of the Connecticut District Council (CDC), where her administrative skills were utilized in many auxiliaries and offices. Over her decades of service, she dedicated herself to the Sunday School (Christian Education) auxiliary and the Young People’s department, serving in vital roles such as Treasurer and Secretary and even the Connecticut District Council secretary for nine years.

Cathy’s heart for service was most evident in her work with the CDC Missionary Department. She rose through the ranks, serving as a registration committee member and Assistant Secretary under Sister Joan Rosemond, Secretary under Pastor Judy Moss, and 2nd Vice President under Evangelist Valjean Ashe, before ultimately serving as President from 2015 to 2023. Her influence extended even further through the Christian Education department and into regional leadership, where she served as the IMWCA East Region Assistant Director under the leadership of Dr. Charlotte Parker.

Cathy loved to take care of others. She was especially fond of seniors and children. Cathy was known to cook and deliver food, especially to seniors. She would visit the sick and was known to purchase everything Carter’s had to sell for your baby. During the holidays she would cook multiple full meals and send them by courier, also known as her loving husband William Sr., to all corners of Connecticut. Cathy had a heart for people that she showed in her own special way. Her oldest son, William Jr. referred to her as “Mother Goose” because babysat many children in her home and was affectionately known as “Mimi” to many of them. She loved having children in her home and more recently enjoyed having her grandchildren stay overnight. She loved the time they shared, singing songs, having church in her living room, watching Bluey endlessly and sharing a million kisses. She ended her last weekend visit with them saying “you can come see Mimi anytime!”

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 35 years, William Richard Sr., and her beloved children: William Richard Jr. and his wife, Tonia, of Wethersfield, CT, her "baby boy," Christopher Marshall of New Haven, CT, and her daughter, La’Chele Douglas, of Windsor Locks, CT. Her life will continue to be celebrated by her grandchildren, Kaydence Angelee, William Richard III, Liana Danielle, Patrick Falconer and D’er Loving, as well as an unborn grandchild who will grow up knowing just how much their "Mimi" loved them. Cathy is also survived by her only brother, Thurman Blanchard Jr. of Waterbury, CT, her niece, Genevieve (Cummings) Araujo, whom she loved and cared for like a daughter, and her spiritual mother, Walillian Tyson.

Cathy will be deeply missed and forever cherished by many family members, a church family and a host of dear friends whom she loved. She was predeceased by her mother, Genevieve, her father, Thurman, and her sister, Thelma.

A celebration of her life and legacy will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard Street, New Haven. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the church from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Avenue, New Haven.

Please send condolences to rbrooks@beulahheightschurch.org by Saturday, February 7th.

The service will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube: Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church 

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https://www.youtube.com/@beulahheightschurch782