Obituary of Cathy Karam

STILLWATER--Mary Catherine “Cathy” Karam passed away peacefully Sunday, December 19^, 2021, after a brief illness.

She was born in Bangor and spent her childhood years with her siblings, friends, and family on Tyler Avenue, in a household filled with joy and love, which was never short on laughs or adventure. She was a graduate of Bangor High School, Class of 1973, and went on to study art, and received her degree in Boston. She returned home and began working at Bangor Neon as a graphic artist.  She married the love of her life, Butch, in 1982. A year later, she would have her only child, Jason, and a few years after that they would move to their home on the Stillwater River in Stillwater.  The doors to that house were always open to friends and family and was a regular stop for people that blurred that line between the two. Lifelong friends were made at every stop for Cathy over the years. She would eventually go on to work for Penobscot County Federal Credit Union and L.L. Bean, both jobs that she would enjoy, particularly for the people she would embrace so dearly. She was often sought out for her advice and wisdom, which she always felt flattered by. Cathy had a great sense of humor, and anyone who ever heard her laugh would remember it, it was infectious.

Family was always the number one priority in Cathy’s life.  Her and Butch were rarely, if ever, not seen together. They were truly in love and that love was destined to last for eternity. Later in her life she took the most pride in being Grammy to her beloved grandchildren Calvin and Max. They always had a piece of her heart and her ear. She loved hearing about what dinosaurs Calvin was into and what he was doing in school and was always smiling when Max was babbling.   Kathy was a much beloved mother, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend.

She was predeceased by her husband Gary E. ‘Butch’ Karam, Jr.; mother Phyllis A. Smith; father Lowell E. Smith; brothers Mike and Tommy Smith; sister Judith Smith; Cathy is survived by son Jason E. Karam and his wife Monica, and their two sons Calvin J., and Max E. Karam; several nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A graveside service will be held 2 PM, Friday, March 25, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Ohio St., Bangor.  All are invited to a reception following the service at Sea Dog Brewing Company, 26 Front St., Bangor..  Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com