Catherine A. "Cathy" Strain, 76, of Bedford, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on October 3, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born in Somerville on July 24, 1949, Cathy was the daughter of the late Joseph W. and Mary A. Strain. She grew up in Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School with the Class of 1967. During those years, she loved performing water ballet at the Wedgewood Club.

After high school, Cathy built a long and dedicated career at RCA/GE in Burlington, which later became Lockheed Martin. Following her retirement, she continued to help others through her work with the Division of Employment in Woburn.

Cathy lived a simple, happy life and found joy in everyday moments. She could often be seen on her daily walks — rain or shine — and was known for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Cathy loved picking out gifts for the people she cared about and was always thinking of others.

She also had a sense of adventure and a love of travel, especially to Hawaii. Some of her happiest moments were spent on the water with her husband, Ken, enjoying time on their boat or out on motorcycle rides together. At home, she was a devoted listener of the Kiss 108 morning show — a small daily ritual that always brought her joy.

Cathy was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth Ghostlaw Jr., with whom she shared 23 wonderful years of marriage. Ken passed away only five weeks earlier, and those who loved them take comfort in knowing they are together again.

She is survived by her loving brother, Paul Strain, and his wife, Kyle, of Tewksbury; her cousins Nancy Paglia; Joe Mizzoni and his wife, Julie, and their children Joseph and his wife, Keri; Nicholas and his wife, Hannah; and Patricia and her husband, Bob, and their children, Frank and Kate, and many other cousins. She also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss her deeply. Cathy is also fondly remembered by Ken's two sons, Donald and his wife, Cindy, and their son David, and Kevin and his wife, Carla, and their children, Allison and Darren.

Visiting hours will be held at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Rd., Bedford, on Thursday, October 9, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael Parish, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, on Friday, October 10, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Shawsheen Cemetery, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Emerson Hospital, 133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742.