Cathleen Anne Dugas, 74, of Kittery, Maine passed away surrounded by the warmth and love of those who cherished her dearly on April 3, 2024 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Cathleen was born in Queens, NY on January 12, 1950, to the late Joseph Francis Negreen and Marian Elizabeth (Berwald) Negreen. Cathleen, who also went by "Cathy" leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Cathy, a proud graduate of Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, CT later went onto pursuing degrees at UMaine Machias as well as Harriman College in NY, studying business. Cathy then served in the United States Air Force from 1974 to 1977 as a Dental Technician in Southern California. After her military service, she dedicated 39 years as a government contracted employee at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Cathy's commitment and hard work were evident in all she did.

Cathy met the love of her life, Robert G. Dugas(also known as Jo) in 1975 while in San Bernadino, California when they were both stationed at Norton Air Force Base for the United States Air Force. Robert was later stationed to Sparrevohn Air Force Station (356 miles SW of Fairbanks, Alaska) and Cathy to Hanscom Air Force Base in Hanscom, MA. During this time, they communicated primarily by Autovon (a military telephone system) where she would call daily and wake up the entire barracks with her calls. They also wrote love letters back and forth. Cathy and Robert said their "I Do's" in Camden, Maine in September of 1977 and then relocated together to Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, NH. They both lived their 20's and early 30's traveling and having cherished moments together before buying a 1800's Cape and starting their own family when they had three children in the years 1983, 1986 & 1989. They had spent nearly 50 years together making forever memories.

In her free time, Cathy enjoyed painting birdhouses, cooking, hunting/fishing and most of all, spending quality time with her family. Family gatherings at their camps on Spednic Lake in New Brunswick, Canada, and Parlin Pond near Jackman, Maine, were always special to her. She loved the wilderness and being at these off-grid camps were what truly made her feel most connected to her loved ones.

Cathy will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, her Husband of 46 years, Robert G. Dugas;  Children Daniel J. Dugas of Kittery, ME; Michael P. Dugas of Kittery, ME;  Christina L. Towers and  Douglas A. Towers of South Berwick, ME; Her 4 grandchildren Tyler Dugas, Daniel V. Dugas, Catherine A. Towers, and Douglas J. Towers; Her beloved siblings, sister Susan E. Negreen, brother in law Billy Jack Combs and sister Margaret R. Negreen as well as nephew Matthew J. Negreen and niece Anna E. Colby. Last but certainly not least, her beloved pet Jack Russell Terrier 'Hunter' who was always by her side.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph F. Negreen and Marian Elizabeth Negreen.

Cathy was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, and friend, always thinking of others first. There will be no services per her wishes. She will be cremated and the family will have a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the wildlife conservation charity of your choosing.  To leave online condolences please visit www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Care for the Dugas family has been entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.