Catherine N. (Scigliano) Gillikin

Catherine North Gillikin, 88, of Ashford, CT and Cambridge, MA passed peacefully from this life on July 2, 2016 surrounded by loving family. Catherine was born Caterina Benicia in San Francisco on May 11, 1928 to Achille and Maria (Liguouri) Scigliano. She was raised in Flint, MI and attended Sophie Newcombe College (New Orleans), Dorothy Ferrier Modeling School (San Francisco) and Pasadena Playhouse School of Theater Arts. As a young woman in Washington, D.C. she served in the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department up until the end of conflict. She then pursued a career in modeling and theater. Catherine was a versatile actress in both drama and comedy. Under the stage name Raven English, she starred in numerous productions including Antigone, Hamlet and Auntie Mame. Catherine had a vibrant, creative mind and magnetic personality that attracted a diverse array of friends and admirers. Throughout her life, she maintained a passion for learning and self-instruction, especially in the areas of the arts, philosophy, spirituality and finance; but, found greatest satisfaction in raising her two children. Catherine is survived by her daughter Stephanie Merrall of Ashford; son and daughter-in-law Bryan and Christine Gillikin of New Durham, NH; grandchildren Alexander and Elisabeth Gillikin; brothers Alfred, Archie and Hugh Scigliano; sisters Emilia Douthat and Livia Varady; and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her former husband James. Her family wishes to thank Catherine?s personal physician, Dr. Ann Semolic, as well as the many medical and support professionals who provided outstanding quality-of-life care and end-of-life comfort. Catherine will be laid to rest in private. Family and friends are invited to remember her in a celebration of life on August 20, 2016. Memorial donations may be made to Hartford HealthCare or Our Companions Animal Sanctuary in Ashford, CT.Charitable donations may be made to:Our Companions Animal RescueP.O. Box 956, Manchester CT 06045Tel: 1-860-242-9999Web: http://www.ourcompanions.org/donate/index.htm