1953 - 2026
As a result of her family’s service, Kathleen attended seven different schools from kindergarten through high school, an experience that shaped her adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong love of learning. She later studied law in college and graduated in 1981. Her passion for travel also took her overseas, where she spent time in the United Kingdom and formed a lifelong friendship in Scotland.
In 1967, while living in Michigan, Kathleen joined the Future Farmers of America, becoming the first and only girl in her chapter, where she proudly received her Greenhand Pin—a milestone she always remembered fondly.
Kathleen came from a musical family and developed a love for the arts at a young age. She studied ballet from age 4 to 16, loved musical theatre, and later found joy in woodworking, reading, and creative projects of all kinds. Her greatest love and gift in life was her daughter, Sara, who was born in China in 1991. Kathleen’s adoption trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, filled with incredible friendships and cherished memories.
Kathleen lived by the mantra “There is always a way.” She was known for her joyous, optimistic nature, her gift for storytelling, and her ability to bring a smile to your face and put a positive spin on any situation.
She is survived by her brother, James, who lives on Cape Cod; her daughter, Sara, of Brooklyn, New York; and her companion bird, Piper, who will live with Sara in New York.
No memorial service is planned.
Burial will take place at Union Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foster Parrots, Ltd., a Rhode Island–based nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue of abused and unwanted companion parrots.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
