Mrs. Catherine R May

Catherine Rance May, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on July 11, 2026. The daughter of Charles Edward Rance and Frances Greene Rance, she was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6, 1937. The family, including older sister Virginia (born May 1935), returned to New York in August 1938, where they resided through Catherine's childhood, including the birth of younger brother, Charles (May 1945), on Long Island, NY. Catherine attended Catholic school in Queens, NY, graduated from Garden City High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts from the College of New Rochelle in 1959. Starting her career as a teacher and reporter, Catherine spent most of her career as a leader at Elder Services of Berkshire County, including 14 years as Executive Director. As a mentor, strategic planner, and leader, she made a lasting impact on services for elders in Berkshire County. After retirement, she returned to a part-time position as the Senior Services Coordinator at the Lenox Community Center. Catherine also continued her commitment to seniors as a volunteer in retirement and served as a member on a variety of boards in the health and human services fields. She leaves life-long friends she made at Elder Services, who were as present in retirement as they were as colleagues. In 1960, Catherine married Richard Thomas May (predeceased), a native of Lenox, Massachusetts, who was then a student attending the University of Vermont under the G.I. Bill. Together, they had three children: Susan May Strong of Jacksonville, NC, Nancy May-Skinner (Tom Carroll) of Niskayuna, NY, and Richard J. May (Victoria) of Richmond, MA. Catherine was a loving mom, who was so proud of who her children became and their positive contributions to the world. She enjoyed volunteering in her children's activities as a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Helper and Religious Education Teacher. Catherine was blessed with four granddaughters, Catie Bendler (CJ), Jane Graham (Miles), Molly Skinner, and Olivia May, who brought her tremendous joy, never missing a graduation, holiday or birthday with them. Most recently, she had two delightful, great granddaughters, Emery and Brooke Bendler. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held in Catherine's honor at 11:00 am on July 16, 2026, at St. Ann's Church, Lenox, MA. Visiting hours will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, prior to the Mass at the Roche Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in Catherine's honor, please consider JDRF - Breakthrough T1D, Upstate New York (juvenile diabetes). Donations may be made in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, PO Box 152, Lenox, MA 01240.

Mrs. Catherine R May

July 6, 1937 - July 11, 2026