Dr. Mary Catherine DeRosa
Date of Passing:
Dr. Mary Catherine DeRosa, 72, of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with an illness. A trailblazing gynecologist, educator, and devoted family member, Mary Catherine leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and dedication to women’s health.
Born in 1952 in Utica, New York. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Maryland College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, where she excelled as a member of the field hockey team, and forged lasting bonds through her sorority. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from SUNY Syracuse Medical College in 1978, graduating with the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) distinction. Mary Catherine completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester, NY, laying the foundation for her remarkable career.
Dr. DeRosa’s professional journey was defined by her commitment to her patients and her field. From 1982 to 1988, she served as an OB-GYN at The Genesee Health Service in Rochester, NY. From 1989 to 1999, she practiced at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare of New England, serving as Chief of the OB-GYN Department from 1996 to 1999. In 2002, she founded The Independent Woman, Inc., practicing for over 20 years with a commitment to her patients. Mary Catherine joined Brown Health Medical Group-Gynecology, serving as a gynecologist and director of the Menopause Consultation Program at the Women’s Medicine Collaborative. As a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, she inspired and mentored future generations of physicians.
Mary Catherine delivered many babies and provided exceptional care, particularly in menopause management. Her patients cherished her as a trusted advocate, and her colleagues revered her as a leader and mentor.
She was an avid knitter, creating many gifts for her family and friends. She enjoyed travelling with her husband over the years and spending time by the lake in the White Mountain region with family, friends and her pets.
Mary Catherine is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Paul Hanrahan; her stepchildren, Shawn and Kim; her son-in-law, Frank; her daughter-in-law, Kourtenay; her adored grandchildren, Liam and Benjamin; and her two sisters and brother. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched.
A funeral mass service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on Hope Street in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial gathering at Swan Point Cemetery at 11:00 AM. There will be a private burial at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or the NEK Community Animal Hospital Veterinary Practice Donation | Veterinary Care Foundation, select Vermont then select NEK Community Animal Hospital. Both of these causes were close to Mary Catherine’s heart.
Deepest condolences to her entire family! She was a wonderful doctor and coworker. Kind and down to earth to everyone – staff and patients! She has left the world a better place.
I was saddened to learn of Dr DeRosa’s passing. She was the most caring doctor I’ve ever had. She went beyond what was necessary in caring for patients, always had a smile and was an empathetic listener. When I first met her, I joked that I knew she would take good care of me, since she shared my mother’s maiden name. Little did I know how prescient my words would be. After she performed surgery on me, she came to my house to continue my care and she and Paul later took me to dinner.
I was heartbroken when she left RI for NH, but happy for her, knowing that she and Paul would have time for themselves and family.
Paul, please accept my deepest condolences. Mary Catherine was a very special person and I’m sure you miss her deeply. I hope the fact that you were able to share a life together may bring you some comfort. Carolyn Testa
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of dear Dr DeRosa. She was my gyn since the early days of Harvard pilgrim, then on to independent women, brown. My visits with her was pure joy and humor. She aways got me laughing. When my late husband passed in 2007 she took the time to speak with me, and years after would joke with me about life after widowhood. I always left my appointment with a smile. She spent time as well with one of my daughters with medical issues since birth. Lori was her patient as well. During one of Lori’s transplants at RIH she went to visit her. Dr DeRosa was a gift to the world, a kind soul a beautiful woman and dedicated compassionate doctor. My daughter was told today during an appointment that Dr D passed away. Lori called me we are both so saddened of the news. May God bless her, her husband and family. Christine Sipes – Lori LeFort Pascoag RI.
The Tide
by M.D. Hughes
The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echos on
in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
MC, I simply cannot wrap my head around
the fact that you’ve passed on to your next
great adventure. I’ll never ever forget what
a wonderful friend (and physician) you’ve
been to me and my daughters. I’ll always
treasure the memories of all the good times
we had together – especially that trip to Santa Fe!
You leave a legacy of love, kindness, and
caring and I’m honored to have been in your orbit.
I hope you and Lenor have met up on the other side
and will keep in touch with me until we meet again,
my friends.
My deepest sympathy to Paul and the family. The
dedication you and Paul had to each other was an
inspiration to all who witnessed it!
Love,
Ellen
Mary Catherine was a sweet, sweet person. We went to Rhinebeck Central School together. She was so smart.
Paul, may you have peace.
I was blessed to call Mary Catherine, my sister. She had told me, at one time, that we put the ‘fun’ is dysFUNctional as it regarded our family; and I reminded her that we all have those types of families because everyone of us has messed up (Romans 3:23).
There are many stories that I will fondly remember about our childhood, and our later years together.
She was a wonderful sister, and a tremendous great aunt to my children.
Dear Paul,
We are so saddened to hear of Mary Catherines passing.
She was a truly lovely woman and I will miss seeing her at Pt Judith.
Kristine and sons
I can’t believe you are gone MC
I miss you
I still remember our last visit together at the chowder festival in Waterville valley square
Your smile will forever stay with me
Love you
Gisele
Paul, we are so sorry to hear of MaryCatherine’s passing. She was a remarkable Dr & woman. She always had time to talk, give an encouraging work & a hug or two. We are happy that we got to spend time with her in NH. Our prayers to you & her family. May she rest in Peace and pain free. Truly a remarkable loss.
Paul
Extremely sadden
May God of peace surround you
With his love at this time of sadness
to hear
of your loss
mary catherine
has passed away.
Take comfort and solace that shes is at rest and peace .
No longer in discomfort & all the pain is gone .
Many prayers for your family
At this time .
Sending love and sympathy
Love paula zonghi
Paul
We were heartbroken to hear of Mary Catherine‘s passing. She was not only a remarkable physician, but also a deeply compassionate human being. Her kindness, wisdom, and presence made a lasting impact on so many lives.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
John & Kathy Rossi.
I was fortunate to train under Dr Derosa. Her stories of being a trailblazing female physician were an inspiration. Thankful she helped paved the way for me. Rest in peace
The time I knew you
Will always be a sweet memory
The time I knew you
It seems not long enough
Yet your smile
Always made the time seem longer
Your ease and grace
Made it easy to know you
Your sweetness
Always made me feel embraced
I will miss you so much
And will cherish always
The memory of knowing you
Kelly Murphy
For Mary Catherine
Dr. DaRosa was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I was fortunate to get to train under her during my residency at Women & Infants – she set such a good example for how to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to women. She was a great advocate of treatment for menopause symptoms long before it became popular in the mainstream media. Rest in peace Dr DaRosa.
I worked with Mary Catherine in the labor rooms at WIH. We had many good talks and fun times. She was the nicest person. I have never seen her mad .She was an excellent MD who cared for her patients with respect and comfort. I am sad to hear that she has passed. I haven’t seen her since I retired but in the picture I can see her smiling face.Rest in peace with the Angels.
Dr. DeRosa was my OBGYN for many years, and I trusted and respected her. She was kind, compassionate, and always listened. There was no doubt Dr. DeRosa cared for her patients and loved her work. She also had a wonderful sense of humor, so an appointment with her meant solid advice and a laugh or two. I am so sorry to hear that her family, friends and the world have lost such a genuine and caring person. My sincere condolences.
I didnt know Mary Catherine very long, but I will cherish the small amount of time I spent with her durring Craft Circle. She was so sweet and kind and showed such concern when I mentioned in passing a small pain I had. It wasnt til after she examiled my arm that I learned she’d been a doctor. She wasnt boastful but very humble. Ill miss seeing her smile.
So sad to hear. Wonderful doctor and beautiful lady! A loss to how health care community.
Mary Catherine was a very special, kind and educated lady. We had fun with her and Paul in Jamaica …our love to you Paul…Doc Vincent and Carole DaLessandro
Mary Catherine is a special person. MC helped so many people. Paul sorry for your loss.
Linda,Ed,Todd…
Fly high my friend. Fly high. Missing you.
Love, Dana
Hey Paul! Peder & Marge here! So very sorry for your loss of your beloved wife Mary Catherine! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Dear Paul, I am so sorry to learn that your beloved Mary Catherine has fallen asleep in death. May this promise from our Heavenly Father bring you comfort: John 5: 28 – Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life.
Love Sharon A. Hanrahan
MC you will be missed by so many. You’ve touched many people not only your patients but people you have worked with. Rest easy and pain free. Bingo is calling you!
Rest Easy Dr DeRosa…truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed