Katherine E. Bishop

Katherine E. Bishop, 103, of Groton, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2026 at the Groton Community Health Care Center.

Katherine was born on April 28, 1923 in West Groton, the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Velki) Pollack. A lifelong resident of the Groton and Locke communities, she was recently recognized as the oldest living alumna of Groton High School. 

After graduating from Groton High School in 1941, Katherine worked in a factory in Elmira and at the Smith Corona in Groton, supporting the war effort. She later pursued her interest in cosmetology, attending school in Syracuse before working in Edward’s Department Store.  

During this time, her husband, Richard, served in the US Marine Corps in the South Pacific.

Following the war, Katherine and Richard purchased and operated the family farm on Chipman Corners Road, where they spent many decades building a life together. 

Katherine was an incredible blessing to all who knew her. She was a woman of generosity, humility and boundless love for her family, leaving behind a beautiful legacy.  Above all, her disabled son, Tom, was the center of her world and greatest purpose of her life. Her unwavering love, dedication, and lifelong commitment to his care were a testament to the extraordinary mother she was. 

Katherine was a devout and lifelong communicant of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children: John Bishop (Linda, dec.), James Bishop (Cathy), and Nancy Brown; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard "Dick" Bishop, in 2007; a son, Thomas R. Bishop, in 2015; a brother, Michael W. Pollack, Sr.; and sisters: Josephine Kratochvil, Helen Kowalski, and Mary Strom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 24 at St. Anthony's Church, 312 Locke Road, Groton with interment to follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are graciously recommended to St. Anthony's Church and Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org ) .

Arrangements are entrusted to the Shurtleff Funeral Home, and online condolences may be shared with the Bishop family at www.shurtleffservices.com.