Obituary of Catherine T. Leahy

Catherine “Kay” Leahy, a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and lifelong Arlington resident passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, after a brief illness. She was 98 years old.

Kay was born in the family home on Warren Street in Arlington, one of six children born to Irish immigrants, Daniel and Ellen (Dwyer) Keohane. Growing up during the hardships of the Great Depression, Kay's early years shaped her into a strong, compassionate woman. Her mother, Ellen, was the heart and soul of the family, a role model who guided them through those difficult times. Kay graduated from Arlington High School, Class of 1944, and went on to work as a secretary at Wagner Electrical.

In 1954, Kay married the love of her life, William “Bill” Leahy. They built a life together in Arlington, raising four energetic sons. Kay and Bill each came from immigrant families whose core values included love, devotion, honesty, hard work and respect. They passed these beliefs on to their sons, along with a love for reading and learning. They created a loving home with rules and responsibilities, and everyone was allowed to express themselves and opinions were welcome and respected.

 She loved her grandchildren and followed their activities and accomplishments and she was overjoyed to welcome a great-grandson, William, into the family in February of this year.

Kay and Bill shared a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They enjoyed many happy moments at social events with friends at the Knights of Columbus and the Irish American Club in Arlington. They traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe, Bermuda, Antigua, and especially Ireland, where they deepened their bond with Irish aunts, uncles, and cousins. They also enjoyed cultural experiences, attending the symphony on Friday afternoons, Broadway shows, dancing, and sharing dinners with family and friends.

The bond between Kay and her sisters was particularly special. The Keohane girls shared an unbreakable connection and spoke daily. Their children often joked that they had their own "Keohane Broadcast System," always knowing what was going on in each other's lives and offering support whenever needed. Holidays were a time for all to come together and celebrate.

Kay was intelligent, well-read, sharp-witted, direct, and could hold her own in any conversation. She stayed current with the news and politics until her last day and held strong beliefs. She enjoyed watching the PGA tour and college and pro football on Saturdays and Sundays. Fortunately, either or both sports are in season 52 weeks a year. Curiously, she rarely watched them on weekdays when her schedule was full of news programs, talk shows, Judge Judy and most importantly, the daily mass and the rosary. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Agnes Church in Arlington.

Kay would have turned 99 years old in just a few short weeks. Her passing, though unexpected, brings her family a sense of peace, knowing she was ready to meet her God. Like her mother, who died at age 101, she was able to live in her own home and pass peacefully in the hospital after only a short illness. Her family finds comfort knowing that all her prayers have been answered and she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Bill, who passed in 2018, and their son, Stephen, who passed just two months ago.

Kay will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Kay was the beloved wife of the late William V.  Leahy.  She was the loving mother of William & his wife Deborah of Falls Church, VA, Robert & his wife Jennifer of Sudbury, David & his wife Jacqueline of Billerica, and the late Stephen. She was the proud “Gram” of Kevin, Denis, Krissy, Michelle and Emily Leahy, Maura Leahy Martin & her husband Nathan, Susan Vannette & her husband Samuel. She was the Great Grandmother of William Martin. She was the sister of Mary Fitzpatrick of Lynnfield & her late husband Leo, Joseph Keohane & his wife Marilyn of Burlington, Ann Stanton of Arlington & her late husband John, the late Eileen Duddy & her husband Jim, and the late Theresa Sullivan & her husband Edward.  She was the sister-in-law of the late John & Eleanor Leahy, Joseph & Ruby Leahy, Edward & Jean Leahy, Margaret & Ned Edmunds, Esther & James McGurn, Patricia & Phil Loveridge, and Eleanor Leahy.  She was also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Church, 32 Medford St. Arlington on Saturday December 14 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s name may be made to Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington, MA 02474.  Arrangements under the direction of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.  For obituary, memorial video and online guest book see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net