Ronald & Catherine (Edson) Sankus

Catherine T. (Edson) Sankus, age 88

Ronald G. Sankus, age 87      

*Please note, Celebration of Life to be held Sunday February 27, 2022, from 1:00 - 4:00PM @ Loon Pond Lodge at Ted Williams Camp*            

Catherine “Cathy” T. Sankus passed away just four days ahead of her loving husband Ronald “Ron” G. Sankus during the Christmas season at Heights Crossing in Brockton, MA.  Catherine and Ronald had been married for 62 years and began their lives together in Brockton to later move to Lakeville, MA for the past 36 years.  Catherine, the daughter of the late Dorothy A. and William F. Edson, grew up in Abington, MA where she had many happy memories of family and friends.  Cathy graduated from Abington High School and then from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing.  She loved being a nurse and held many positions in the field from hospital nursing, long-term care at the Lutheran Nursing Home, and later worked in community nursing with the Taunton Visiting Nurses.  Cathy was proud to be part of the Nurses’ Health Study and her longevity in the field provided us with a history lesson in nursing. Ronald, the son of the late Maybelle K. and George Sankus, grew up in Brockton, MA. He graduated from Brockton Technical High School and attended Massasoit Community College as an adult, earning his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science.  Ron was proud of his service as a Navy SeaBee and worked at the Quincy Fore River Shipyard prior to his time in the Brockton Fire Department, where he earned the rank of Captain.  He began his firefighting career as a member of Squad 1, trained many firefighters, and stepped in as the Assistant Deputy for many years prior to his retirement. He was affectionately known as “Papa Smurf” to many of the younger firefighters. Ron loved learning and was able to master any skill. He was a self-taught and skillful carpenter, electrician, welder, plumber, HVAC technician, and even installed the family’s inground pool! When he wanted to learn more, he searched out the answers. Ron acquired many of his talents through his friendships with Roger Lundin and Kevin Payton, working side-by-side learning new skills. There wasn’t a task he couldn’t master, all to provide a better life for his family. Nothing was more important to Cathy and Ron than their family. They took great pride in and were both involved and active participants in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives through scouting, sports, camping, and hiking. Cathy’s sister Nancy, her husband Bernie Cunniff, and her children were a big part of their daily lives. Ron’s sister Betty was forever devoted to them despite their physical distance and continuously provided them with Swedish snacks to remind him of his heritage and her love. They were people of great faith and service. Cathy and Ron were active participants in Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Brockton and later at the Advent Lutheran Church in Middleboro.  They believed in community and both held active roles - Ron as an Assessor for the Town of Lakeville and Cathy as a board member at the Lakeville Council on Aging.  Together they volunteered for Meals on Wheels and never hesitated to offer their help at local events, yard sales, and craft fairs. Cathy and Ron had many interests beyond family and community. They particularly enjoyed vacationing near and far with Alaska cruising being their favored vacation destination. Cathy was also a dedicated New England sports fan and never wavered in her loyalties. When not watching sports or traveling, they may have been found enjoying life through their many short trips including hitting the slots at Foxwoods. Cathy’s siblings include Nancy Cunniff (husband Bernie Cunniff of Pembroke) and she was predeceased by her sister Mary Stevens, and brother William “Bill” Edson (who's loving wife Penny currently lives in California). Ron’s siblings include his sister Betty Brown of Tennessee (husband Roger Brown) and he was predeceased by his brother Richard Sankus of Norton, MA.Catherine and Ronald are also survived by their four children, Linda Curtin of Lakeville, Steven Sankus and Jean Mcshea of Lakeville, Karen Brown and her husband John of Sunapee, NH, and Laura Henault and her husband Randy of Sunapee, NH.  Their grandchildren include:  Peter Curtin of Rochester, NH, Abbey Curtin of Dartmouth, MA, Joseph Curtin of Lakeville, William Curtin of Lakeville, MA, Benjamin Henault of Bonner, MT, Cory Henault of Sunapee, NH, Corinne Brown of Sunapee NH, and Andrew Brown of Sunapee, NH.  They have three great-grandchildren, Colton, Benjamin, and Lincoln. Thankfully, Cathy and Ron were able to “age in place” for an extended period of time thanks to the Lakeville and later the Middleboro Council on Aging where they enjoyed meeting new people and participating in their programs. Their family will forever be grateful for these services. Additionally, the staff at Height’s Crossing provided exceptional care to Catherine and Ronald during their final few years and their compassion, love, and devotion to this family will never be forgotten. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday February 27, 2022, from 1:00 - 4:00PM at the Loon Pond Lodge at Ted Williams Camp, 28 Precinct Street Lakeville, MA 02347, with a meal to be served. Services were provided by Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in their memory to the Middleborough Council on Aging - 558 Plymouth Street Middleborough, MA. 02346.

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