Catherine Coyne

Born on April 17, 1907, in Portland, Maine, Catherine Mary (Coyne) Hudson spent her childhood in southern Maine and from an early age displayed an affinity for writing and thoughtful articulation.

As a student of Portland High School, Coyne served as literary editor of the Totem and was an active member of the Debating Council and Glee Club. Following graduation with honors in 1926, Coyne entered the School of Journalism at Boston University. As an undergraduate she maintained an active role within the community at B.U., acting as an officer of the Benjamin Edes Association and Gamma Beta Alpha, directing the undergraduate drama group, and actively participating in B.U.'s Women's Debate team. As a freshman, Coyne joined the staff as editor and writer for the student publication, Boston University News, and she also served as the BU correspondent for the Boston American throughout her undergraduate years. In 1930, her graduating year, Coyne earned an appointment as Associate news editor of BU News making her the first woman to hold an upper staff position at that publication.

Upon graduation, Coyne wrote for the trade magazine, Granite, Marble, Bronze, and did other freelance writing. By 1934, she began writing features for the Boston Herald . Her earliest articles weren't "hard news" but addressed the interests and concerns of a female audience. She wrote features that highlighted accomplishments of extraordinary New England women, provided recipes and discussed food and diet, shopping tips and fashion trends, and discussed office etiquette for working women. As World War II escalated, she increasingly covered the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. On May 30, 1944, the Boston Herald sent Coyne to England as foreign war correspondent. She transferred to northern France in July and remained stationed there until March 1945. She became one of a handful of American women who were permitted to accompany Allied troops as they landed in Normandy. Coyne reported on conditions in hospitals, wounded soldiers, and battles, and when possible she crafted human interest stories that focused on soldiers from the greater Boston area. Her articles became very popular with Boston audiences and she began writing a column "Catherine Coyne on the War Front."

From April to June 1945, Coyne reported from Germany and the Netherlands. After returning to the United States in July 1945, she was sent again to Europe from October 1945 to January 1946 to cover the Nuremberg trials. Upon her return, the U.S. War Department awarded Coyne, along with 489 war correspondents a campaign ribbon and certificate of merit for thorough and competent reporting from Europe during World War II. Shortly thereafter, Coyne resigned from the Boston Herald, reasoning that she'd fulfilled her dream job. The following year she was awarded a bronze medal of honor for distinguished public service by Boston University's Alumni Association.

Upon her return to the states, she became engaged to Judge Eugene [Gene] A. Hudson, who had served as an Army Air Force Intelligence Officer in England during the war. Hudson was appointed to the Massachusetts Superior Court in 1946 and the couple married in 1949. Though Coyne assumed Hudson's surname, professionally, she retained Coyne. They resided in Brookline and in West Harwich, Massachusetts. During the early days of her marriage, Coyne staffed the Time-Life Bureau in Boston and authored a Sunday column. From the 1950s through the 1970s the couple regularly traveled overseas for extended holidays in western Europe. They had no children. Coyne actively participated in B.U. alumni affairs, the American Association of University Women, and the Harwich Garden Club. Following Hudson's death in 1972, Coyne resided permanently in West Harwich, Massachusetts. She died in the Mayflower Point Nursing Home in Yarmouth, MA at the age of 85, on September 25, 1992.

From the guide to the Papers, (inclusive), (bulk), 1925-1985, 1944-1970, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)