Catherine L. (Gannon) Short-Dean

Catherine “Cathy” L. Short-Dean, 85, of Danvers, passed away on Friday April 26, 2024, at Kaplan Family Hospice, in Danvers, following a lengthy battle with declining health as she grew older.  Born Catherine Louise Gannon, Daughter of the late Mary (Clark) and Richard Gannon, she was born in Somerville, Massachusetts and educated in Lynn, Massachusetts, graduating from Lynn English High School.  

From there, Cathy entered the University of Life, marrying the late Francis (Frank) M. McHugh and they resided in Lynn, starting a family with four children, Richard F., John D., Karen A., and Janet C. McHugh.  Following Frank’s unexpected passing, Catherine was blessed to find love again and married the late William C. (Bill) Short, Jr, becoming a blended family when William C (Billy) Short, III was born.  Later in her life, Cathy was fortunate to have company in life when she married the late Robert Dean, with whom she shared almost a decade before he unexpectedly passed.  Billy unexpectedly predeceased both his parents in 1988.  It is now Billy’s turn to receive the hugs we have gotten for many years on earth from his mom.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents and her older brother Richard.  She is survived by her children, Richard F. McHugh and his wife, Lisa, of Worcester, John D. McHugh and his wife, Rosanna, of Natick, Karen A. McHugh of Freemont, NH and Janet C. Holik of South Windsor, Connecticut. She is also survived by a fourth “son”, Rich Gannon of Virginia.  She is also survived by her younger brother, David J. Gannon of Beverly, and his wife Jean, without whose loving support Cathy would have not survived many of the difficult days at the end of her life.  

Cathy was also loved fiercely by her grandchildren, John William Holik South Windsor, CT, Caitlyn Sue Holik of Houston, TX, Danielle L. McHugh of Portland, OR, Brittany E. McHugh of Peabody and Christina McHugh of Natick.

Cathy was very fortunate to have lifelong friends in her world.  Times spent with Nan, Lois, Rose, Betty, Francine, Debbie and many others and the shared laughter enhanced her world.   Her family circle also encompassed others such as Pat, Jack and Dody and several nieces and nephews with whom she was particularly close.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to any charity near and dear to your heart. Please consider making time to tell a person you love them, hug someone, call or visit a person you’ve not seen in a while. Make a person happier today.

All Services will be private and have been entrusted to Mackey Funeral Home, Middleton, MA.

For online condolences please visit mackeyfuneralhome.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Catherine L. (Gannon) Short-Dean, please visit our Tree Store.