Catherine Stegner Lontok

The amazing Catherine Stegner Lontok, 87, of North Attleboro, passed peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 12:55 AM at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro with her beloved children - Dawn, Mark and David and grandson, Robert, by her side following a courageous battle with pneumonia. Catherine was born of dual American and Filipino citizenship on April 2, 1927, in Pamplona, Philippines to William Aaron Stegner and Juanita Telan Stegner. Though she went peacefully, Catherine was a fighter, full of bravery and energy, deeply dedicated to her family. During World War II, Catherine protected her younger sisters, Margaret and Elizabeth, in the Filipino jungle by moving them nightly. Catherine was just a young 16 year old girl herself and was the sole family provider for her sisters at that time. She managed to keep them altogether and the three of them survived and went on to live remarkably productive lives. Catherine Stegner Lontok was a leader amongst women. In her native country, she worked as general manager of CC Unson, a battery manufacturing plant. She worked at Swank, Inc. in Attleboro for ten years and as a part-time cashier at Stop & Shop in North Attleboro. She immigrated to the United States in 1983 and settled in Taunton where she resided until moving to North Attleboro in 1991. Mrs. Lontok was a communicant of St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, Attleboro Falls. Catherine was an avid gardener; her orchids defied cold New England winters. Her gardens were admired by many as a true work of art. She was one with the earth and nature. In addition to gardening, some of her favorite pastimes included sewing, reading, watching birds and she enjoyed the peacefulness and tranquility of becoming one with nature during a casual walk. She embraced each and every United States Marine Corps friend of her two sons who each devoted more than twenty years of service prior to retiring from military duty. Catherine became a much adored and loved "Mom" to many of her sons' comrades. An absolute favorite in her family, Catherine was known as "Grandma Trin" or "Lola Trin". She loved all children, was always willing to play and had a great sense of humor, often encouraging mischief and horseplay amongst her many grandnieces and grandnephews but most of all her treasured and most cherished grandson, Robert. Catherine is survived by her daughter: Josephine Dawn Lontok of North Attleboro; two sons: Marcelino William Lontok, Ret. USMC and Michael David Lontok, Ret. USMC both of North Attleboro; her grandson: Robert James Gulley of Keene, New Hampshire; her sisters: Mildred Jane Clifford of Onset and Elizabeth Santos Magat of the Philippines; two adopted daughters: Roseanne Hyden of San Antonio, Texas and Asuncion Lontok of Howell, New Jersey and generations of nieces and nephews, many cousins, extended family members and dear friends. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. For those in need of a ride to visitation simply call the funeral home directly at 508-695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, 105 Stanley Street, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with the Rev. Thomas Frechette, pastor, officiating. There will be no public funeral cortege from the funeral home prior to the commencement of the Funeral Mass. Burial will be in the Philippines. Following the Funeral Mass an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced. 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 Attleboro. (508) 695-0200