1935 - 2024
Visitation
May 7, 202410-11AM
The Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
May 7, 202411:00AM
The Dolan Funeral Home
Gayle Taylor Kattar, 88, recently of Arlington, MA and formerly of Tyngsboro and Dracut, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Gayle was married to the late Colonel Richard J. Kattar.
Born in Paso Robles, California, Gayle was the daughter of Sibyl (Andrews) Fast. She graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She later obtained her Master’s in Education from Murray State University.
Gayle dedicated many years of her life to teaching. She was particularly inspired to teach elementary school children in the emerging field of special education and reading. She spent her later career at Boston University before retiring in 1999.
Gayle was married to Richard J. Kattar, in 1989 and they enjoyed an active life as members of Vesper Country Club of Tyngsboro. Gayle was past president of the Vesper Women’s Golf League. In addition to golf, Gayle found joy in cooking, entertaining, boating, gardening, traveling and her beloved dogs, but most of all spending time with her cherished family and friends.
Gayle is survived by her sister, Alecia Olson of Auburn, Washington, her daughter, Elizabeth Papendorp and her husband, John; Richard’s children: Richard J. Kattar Jr. and his wife Kathryn, Karen Kattar and her husband Michael Harter, Debora Grant and her husband S. Gregory. She also leaves behind beloved grandchildren, Amber Vanzant, Jeremy Kattar, Gregory Grant, Stephanie McHale, Taylor Grant, Carin Papendorp, and John T. Papendorp III, as well as their children; and her two nephews, Glenn Olson and Jeffrey Olson and their families.
In addition to her husband Richard Kattar, Gayle was predeceased by her mother, Sibyl A. Fast, her sister Alzina Taylor, and her brother-in-law Eyerly W. Olson.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 10-11AM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA followed by a funeral service at 11AM in the funeral home. Burial at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, to join her beloved husband Richard. Memorials may be made in her name to: Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence, 10 Green Way, Wayland, MA 01778; D’Youville Life & Wellness Community, 981 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854; or a local animal rescue shelter of your choosing.
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Erin McFadden
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So sorry for your loss, Elizabeth and family. You made her last years as good as possible ❤️
Emmalyne Willen
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Elizabeth, my heart and thoughts are with you and everyone who loved your mom.
Valerie Hamm
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My sympathies to your family at this time of grief.
-Valerie Hamm
Donna Thoene
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My deepest condolences to all of Gayle’s family. She was a lovely and generous woman who was always so proud of her family. Thinking of you and Carin, Elizabeth.💗
Oli Finley
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I’m so heartbroken to hear about Gayle’s passing. I only knew her for a brief time, but I always admired her spirit and kindness. Mr. & Mrs. Papendorp, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman, and may she rest in eternal peace. 💜
Yvette Lillge and Peter DiMarzio
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We are so sorry for your loss. We are sending the Papendorp family healing prayers.
Ashiki Robinson
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Dear John and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you all in this difficult time. Sending prayers! God bless.
Ashiki
Kathy Shannon
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Our deepest condolences to Gayle’s family. Gayle was always a kind lady. We had lots of good times at Vesper. She will be missed by all.