1942 - 2026
Born on May 9th, 1942, in Quincy, Kathi was the daughter of the late Edith (Sullivan) and John Raftery. She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth Dorman.
Kathi is survived by her devoted brother, John Raftery and his wife Janice of Walpole, along with many beloved cousins, especially Sheila Dubrawski, whose loving care and friendship meant so much to her.
Kathi graduated from Monsignor Patterson Grammar School in South Boston, attended Cardinal Cushing School, and later graduated from Milton High School.
Her distinguished career in public service began working for Massachusetts Governor Chub Peabody before serving Massachusetts House Speakers Jack Davoren, Bob Quinn, Dave Bartley, and Tom McGee. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she became a trusted senior aide to Congressman Brian Donnelly. Following his retirement, Kathi made history as the first woman appointed Assistant Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives and the first woman to carry the ceremonial mace into the House Chamber. She also had the honor of escorting then-Vice President-elect Al Gore during the inauguration of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.
Outside of her career, Kathi cherished time spent at her camp on Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg, Maine. She formed lifelong friendships through her years at the Massachusetts State House, ski trips to Killington, Vermont, and her career in Washington. After leaving public service, she and her husband settled in Barnstable, where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends around their backyard pool. In 2020, they moved to Holliston and became part of the welcoming community at Brooksmont.
Interment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathi's memory may be made to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter, P.O. Box 548, Medway, MA 02053.
