E. Catherine Kroeger- age 98, of Norwell, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 23, 2012. Beloved wife of 69 years of Robert H. Kroeger and the loving mother of Robert H. Kroeger, Jr. and his wife, Eileen of Newton, Jeri Housley of Sandwich and her husband, Richard of  Hanover, Deborah Ryan and her husband, Edward of Norwell, and Cynthia Lyle and her husband, John of Clemmons, NC. Adored grandmother of nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter in law, Nancy Kroeger of Scituate. She was the sister of Kenneth Berkemeier of Kentucky and six late siblings.

Catherine was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy in Covington, KY. She moved to Norwell in 1947 and was an original Church Hiller. Catherine was an avid gardener and was a member of the Hanover Garden Club for 20 years. She also enjoyed antiquing, and was the Ring Secretary at the Briggs Riding Club. Her greatest enjoyment came from being the matriarch of 5 generations.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1 pm in St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor, MA. 02066. Visiting hours Friday, Jan. 27 from 10 am-12 noon at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St. (off Rt. 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell Center, MA. 02061.

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