It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Catherine Barrett Purcell, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on May 1, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on January 10, 1925, in Nashville, Tennessee. Graduate of the February 1943 Class of Cathedral High School. Parishioner of the Church of the Holy Rosary since 1953. Catherine (“Kitty-Lou” to her friends) lived a life defined by strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was the proud and cherished mother of eleven children and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Catherine lived through remarkable times and met each season of life with grace. Throughout her century of life, Catherine touched countless hearts with her wisdom, warmth, and generosity. Her home was always filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of meals she lovingly prepared. She will be remembered not only for her long life, but for the lives she nurtured and the love she gave unconditionally.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, John and Amanda Barrett; brother, John Barrett, Jr.; sisters Elizabeth Barrett, Margaret Barrett, and Virginia Barrett Bailey; her sons Joseph Purcell, Jr., (Celia), Michael Purcell (Ritchie), and Thomas Purcell (Kathy); her loving and precious daughter, Regina Purcell; her daughter-in-law, Chang Purcell (Stephen); her grandsons, Barrett Purcell and James Purcell, Jr.
She is survived by her children Stephen Purcell (Patsy), Margaret Purcell Hausauer (Ted), Louis Purcell (Julie), Lucy Purcell Ellis (Terry), William Purcell (Jill), James Purcell (Kim), Phillip Purcell, and their families.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Monday, May 5, at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home in Donelson, Tennessee from 5pm – 8pm. There will also be a time of visitation at Church of the Holy Rosary in Donelson on Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM with Father John Baker, officiating. Michael Purcell, Jr., Matt Purcell, Kelli Purcell O’Brien, Suzie Purcell Moskal, Major T. J. Hausauer, Lauren Purcell, and Clare Purcell Welsh will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following the Mass, Catherine will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery on Lebanon Pike in Nashville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Holy Rosary Academy, Room In The Inn-Nashville, or Benton Hall Academy, in honor of her generous spirit. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy a guiding light for generations to come. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Purcell family by selecting “Add a Memory” at the bottom of this page. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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