Kathleen Mary (Donahue) Walsh

Kathleen (Kate) Walsh, 69, of Lakeville, MA, passed away peacefully on November 10 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, MA, to Margaret M. (O'Donnell) and Walter F. Donahue, Kate grew up in Wakefield, MA, where she enjoyed dancing, playing the guitar, and fencing. She graduated from Our Lady of Nazareth Academy and worked her way through Boston University, earning a degree in Physical Education.

Kate was always a hard-working and dedicated person who loved teaching. She taught Physical Education at Wakefield High School. After having her only daughter, Caitlin, she worked part-time as a service desk and floral clerk before moving into a full-time service desk role. Over her 33 years at Shaw's, she held a variety of positions, including Service Desk Manager, Personnel Coordinator, HR Manager, Training Specialist, Education Manager, and Regional Learning and Development Manager.

When she wasn't working, Kate was still helping others. She volunteered at numerous Shaw's-sponsored volunteer events and dedicated her time to Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC), serving on their 24/7 hotline and co-facilitating support groups. In 2006, she was honored as one of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's Community Unsung Heroines for her extraordinary volunteerism with HAWC. She also participated in Flags for Vets and Wreaths Across America in honor of her father, Walter.

Kate loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and bringing them to Buttonwood Zoo or cheering them on in their many activities. She enjoyed the Lakeville Public Library and participating in their book club. She loved everything about Ireland and learning about her Irish heritage, celebrating Christmas, shopping, knitting, listening and dancing to country music, laughing, and being near the ocean.

She is survived by her daughter, Caitlin, and son-in-law, Ken Jeffery of Plymouth, MA; and her beloved grandchildren, Keegan and Camryn. She is also survived by her siblings: Dr. Patrick Donahue and his wife, Nancy, of Andover, MA; Peter Donahue and his partner, Beth Church, of Hampton, NH; Mary Ellen Donahue Parker and her husband, Michael, of Fremont, CA; Daniel Donahue and his wife, Sarah, of Lebanon, NH, and Ann Ruggiero and her husband, John, of Brighton, MA. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who love and adore her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2026, from 2:30-5:30PM at the Fireside Grille in Middleboro. In remembrance of Kate's giving nature, we ask that any charitable donations be made in her name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Mary (Donahue) Walsh, please visit our floral store.