Former Barrington resident Catherine Gresh of Irvine, California passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026. Born in Butler, Pennsylvania on June 15, 1948, she was the daughter of J. Clinton and Cathleen Atwell. Catherine is survived by her husband Ric and their two sons, Tyler of Noblesville, Indiana, and Jameson (Jamie) and daughter-in-law, Sasha of Newport Beach, California and three grandchildren Holden, Harper and Daniella. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Donna Atwell. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jake in May, 2023.

Catherine attended Grove City College for two years before transferring to Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in American Studies. She met Ric during her senior year. They were married in March of the following year. During this time Catherine also returned to BGSU to get her teaching certificate. With credentials in hand she was hired to teach English and Social Studies for grades seven and eight in South Windsor, Connecticut subsequently teaching the same subjects in New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island middle schools.

In the Spring of 1980 the family moved to Rhode Island, eventually moving to Barrington in 1985. Catherine soon became involved with many of her boys athletic teams, including as the Barrington Youth Soccer Club’s registrar and various committees for USTA New England.

Besides being a prolific reader Catherine’s other loves were gardening and travel. She visited over 25 countries, including favorites Machu Picchu in Peru, Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Great Wall in China.

During her time in Barrington she became an active member of the Barrington Garden Club enjoying it immensely. When retirement time came and after a move to Irvine, California, Catherine found an outlet at Sherman Library and Gardens in Newport Beach and became a docent. She took on a board position a short time later as secretary for two years then continued as vice-chair person and finally held the position of chair person for a brief period of time until her illness forced her to the sidelines in October of 2024.

She fought her illness for over three years with dignity and grace and always with a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by neighbors, friends and family, especially her two sons and her husband, Ric, the two having been married for 55 years.

A "Celebration of Life" was held at Sherman Library and Gardens on September 9th. In lieu of flowers a donation to the "Grow the Gardens" campaign, a once-in-a-generation reimagination of The Gardens in Catherine's name would be appreciated.