Catherine "Cathy" Jane Hutchinson

Catherine "Cathy" Jane (Danca) Hutchinson, 67, of Taunton, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2020.
Born on March 22, 1953 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore Danca and the late Gertrude (Graham) Danca.
Raised and educated in Sharon, MA, she was a graduate of Sharon High School and then received her Associate Degree from Bristol Community College. Cathy worked for eight years as a postal worker for the North Attleboro and Providence, RI post offices before retiring in 1995. She resided in Taunton for the past nine years where she attended St. Thomas Church, she previously lived in Dorchester, MA.
Cathy was a tireless and hardworking woman her entire life. As a young single mother, she worked three jobs to provide for her children. Having suffered a medical catastrophe at the age of 43, she was committed to improving her life and those of others similarly situated. A true human rights activist who made the best of her life's circumstances, she championed the civil rights of others like her by advocating for the provision of quality home and community-based services for those in Massachusetts who suffered from brain injuries, and was the named plaintiff in a precedent-setting lawsuit. She selflessly volunteered her time, energy and efforts for numerous advisory boards and associations. Cathy was the first woman to have surgery for a robotic arm, participated in the Braingate Medical Study through Brown University, was recognized in a number of publications, including National Geographic and Wired Magazine, and actively participated as a White House Champion of Change. She enjoyed gardening and the company of family and friends.  More than anything, she was dedicated to her beloved children and her cherished grandchildren.
Cathy was the loving and much-loved mother of Brian P. Hutchinson Sr. and his wife, Hanna L. Hutchinson, of Plainville, MA; and Holly J. Danca of Pawtucket, RI. She was the proud and adoring grandmother of Haley L. Gallagher, Brian P. Hutchinson Jr., and Brayden J. Hutchinson.  She was the dear sister of John Danca of Sharon, MA; Beverly Fraumeni of Belmont, MA; Paul Danca of Hingham, MA; and Debbie Conlon of Milford, MA.  Cathy was predeceased by her siblings: Joe Danca; Dottie Morrill; M. Geraldine "Geri" Baldasaro, and Joan Danca. She leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, her extended family, and many dear friends.
With strict adherence to applicable coronavirus health precautions, including social distancing and the mandatory use of facemasks, family and friends are cordially invited to honor Cathy by attending a Visitation on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the "Commonwealth Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA, immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. at Dyer-Lake Funeral Home.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers and as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Cathy, and as a tribute to her legacy, to https://giving.massgeneral.org/robot-arm-turns-thoughts-into-action/ .
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleborough. (508) 695-0200