Cathy (Johnson) Ricker, 69, died peacefully on December 18, 2025 surrounded by family following a sudden illness, at Saint Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts Cathy grew up with a strong connection to her Irish heritage. She spent many summers at White Horse Beach in Plymouth and ultimately decided to settle down there. From a young age Cathy had a love of dogs and became involved in the sport of purebred dogs with her mother showing and breeding AKC champions. She passed this love on to her children who continued her love and preservation of her favourite breed: German Shepherds.

In 1993 she married Guy and soon after had two daughters, Caitlin and Megan. She enriched their childhoods as their constant cheerleader in all their endeavours. As her children grew and attended school, Cathy decided to go back to school herself and became a paraprofessional working with elementary school special education. Cathy taught at Mill Swan School in Worcester and West Elementary School in Plymouth. Although she retired in 2014, her former students would often see her out and about and be thrilled to see their favourite teacher once more.

Cathy was an avid New England sports fan, with the Red Sox and Patriots being her all time favourites. She was a member of South Coast Jeep Club and enjoyed going to meet ups exchanging ducks with fellow Jeep lovers. Cathy had a great appreciation for the art of tattoos and had many depicting Celtic knots and ogham writing to honour her heritage.

She was proudly known as “Merican Grammy” to her grandchildren in Ireland, and enjoyed frequent visits across the pond to her family’s home place. Her bonus grandchildren knew her as “Sassy Cathy”; an ode to her quick wit and cheeky sense of humor. In 2019, Cathy met Dale and her heart became whole again after her husband’s passing in 2014.

Cathy is predeceased by her husband, Guy Ricker; mother and father, Donald and Eileen Johnson; brothers, David and Mark Johnson; and brother-in-law Ronald Mikelonis.

Cathy is survived by her daughters: Megan Conway and husband William of Fall River; Caitlin Keeley and husband Jack of Fairymount Co Roscommon; fiancé, Dale Scott of Wareham; step-sons Guy and Tommy, grandchildren Saoirse and Seán; step-grandchildren whom she loved as her own, Molly, Sonya, Harrison, Benjamin, and Olivia; sister, Deborah Mikelonis of Middletown, RI; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, “bonus grandchildren”, and many, many friends.

The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cathy’s memory to Take The Lead, a charity that supports people involved in the American Kennel Club who face terminal and life changing illness.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. 

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