Page 13 - Newsletter_Spring_2022

distinguished service at the municipal government and community level” and calls it their
Cathy “most prestigious award.” Locally, the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation
recognized Cathy in 2012 with their Presidential Citation. The recognition plaque states that
O’Leary is the award is for “outstanding service to the citizens of the Town of Houlton, and residents of
the Southern Aroostook Area, for her steadfast belief & guidance during her extended Interim
another Town Manager role, in the continuation of the Economic Development Projects of the
Southern Aroostook Development Corporation.”
shining Reflecting on her years at the Town Office, Cathy stated that she was proud of adapting to
all the changes throughout her career and that she always tried to make smooth transitions
example for the public and Town employees. One example of that change that stands out is the
2020 Presidential Election. She explained that the election process has evolved over the
of the solid years with increased guidelines and regulations. In 2020, the added challenge of running
an election during a global pandemic created additional layers of complexity. Cathy, along
foundation with her Deputy Election Warden Gail Cleary, prepared for months to ensure that they could
hold a properly run election that was safe for both the voters and the workers. A grant was
that a Houlton secured to purchase new freestanding election booths. The polling site was moved from the
basement of the Gentle Memorial Building to the gym and numerous safety precautions were

High School implemented. A record number of people voted in the 2020 election. All ballots were cast
and counted without incident. The new location has become permanent and has made for a
better experience for all.
education
Cathy has done a great deal for the Town of Houlton. Most of it is done quietly and without
provides. recognition. Yet those of us who have the privilege of collaborating with her know the depth
of her devotion and commitment to the Town. We witness her hard work daily. We all seek
her out for information, advice, and knowledge. She is unendingly generous with her time
and her expertise. Cathy’s retirement will leave a void that will be hard to fill.
Cathy O’Leary is another shining example of the solid foundation that a Houlton High
School education provides. In reflecting on those times, Cathy cited Scott Emack as a
favorite teacher. While having him for Freshman English he remained supportive through
her years at HHS and even beyond, as she would see him regularly at the Town Office. She
also indicated the impression that Elwood Scott made with his strong presence. A favorite
memory from high school was the close bonds created with friends and classmates during high
school and the fun they had doing things like working together on the High School Circus or
participating in the local pastime of “riding around.” Cathy noted that she is still close with
many of those friends today and they continue to get together regularly.

Another secret to Cathy’s success and longevity with the Town is her loving family, which
includes her husband David ’71 who retired a few years ago from a career in railroading.
Cathy and David have two children – Chris ’91 who lives in Carlsbad, California and Jenny
’95 who lives in Brunswick, Maine. And, especially dear to Cathy’s heart is her eleven-year-
Cathy’s Senior Photo – 1973 old granddaughter, Ally. Cathy’s sister, Vicki Daniels Goodwin ’71, recently moved back to
Houlton and she has a brother Stephen who lives in New Hampshire.

Cathy said, “I appreciate the support I received over my career from co-workers, Town
Councilors, and residents. I will miss working with everyone, but I look forward to spending
more time visiting our children and following Ally’s sporting and music activities.”

Enjoy your retirement, Cathy. You deserve it!

Editor’s Note: Being a classmate of Cathy’s and collaborating with her over the many years, I can
vouch for Nancy’s ending statement – she does deserve it. Enjoy your children and granddaughter,
Cathy.

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