Catherine Schiffmann

Catherine MacLeod Schiffmann, 101, of Hingham, MA, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025.

Catherine was born on June 9, 1924, in Dunvegan, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to the late John and Cassie (MacKinnon) MacLeod. She was married to her beloved husband, the late Robert J. (Bob) Schiffmann, for 61 years and together built a beautiful life with their four children: John Schiffmann, Richard (Elaine) Schiffmann, Anne (John) Fink and Paul (Maureen) Schiffmann. Catherine adored her 11 grandchildren, knowing each so well and was always so interested in their lives. They are Alexandra Pillon (Jonathan); Owen, Julia, Ella and Alec Schiffmann; Jack, Katie and Charlie Fink; and William, Caroline and Andrew Schiffmann.

Catherine graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and had many years of service as a registered nurse. When she moved to Boston, she worked at the New England Baptist Hospital and later worked well into her 70’s as the Head Nurse at St. Coletta Day School in Braintree, MA, which serves students with special needs. Her service to others, compassion and kindness were evident every day.

In 1971, Bob and Catherine founded a family business, Mats Inc, and Catherine worked alongside him as they built what is today, Matter Surfaces, one of the leading companies in the flooring industry. Catherine provided constant support and wisdom to Bob throughout the journey in building the company and he was always attributing any success he had to her sound advice and wisdom.

Catherine will always be remembered for her gentle strength, humble heart and selfless spirit. She had a quiet way of making everyone feel seen, cared for and appreciated and she lived with a constant sense of gratitude. She listened so attentively and would always be curious and interested. Whether as a mother, a grandmother or a friend, she embodied grace, kindness and warmth. She was loved and adored by so many and her legacy will endure through her loving family and all whose lives she has touched.

A Funeral Mass will be held in her honor at St. Anthony’s Church in Cohasset, MA on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Catherine may be made to the St. Coletta Day School, checks made out to Cardinal Cushing Centers, Attn: Development, 405 Washington St., Hanover, MA 02339.