Obituary of Kathleen A Cangiano

Kathleen A. (Reardon) Cangiano, 80, a woman whose warmth, humor, and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family, at home, on Tuesday, May 13.

Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Sharkey) Reardon. She graduated from St. Rose High School and was employed for many years as a medical secretary at Chelmsford Pediatrics.

 She had an innate sense of joy and compassion, Kathleen found happiness in the everyday, most notably through her passion for bingo, her love for tending to her garden and yard, and her quiet hours spent with a good book. On any given day you could find her sitting on her front porch with a cup of coffee in hand feeling the sun on her face and watching birds come and go to her birdbath.

Bingo nights were a favorite pastime, not just for the game itself, but for the time spent with her bingo besties..  She had a way of turning an ordinary game into an evening of fun joy and laughs. She loved cookouts at her house spending time with friends and family drinking her sangria and catching up on what was happening in everyone’s lives.

Kathleen’s garden was her sanctuary. Whether she was planting flowers in the spring or pruning hedges in the summer sun, she poured love and care into every inch of her yard. It wasn’t just about making things grow, it was about creating beauty, peace, and a welcoming space for her family and friends. Her yard bloomed with life, much like her spirit did, and served as a testament to her nurturing soul. She spent numerous hours lounging by her pool.  She loved daily summer visits with her grandsons, watching them playing in the water and bringing them their favorite treats by the pool and even though she could not swim she could be found in the shallow end playing Marco polo or tossing a beach ball around with them.

Kathleen had a deep and abiding love for animals especially dogs. Her bond with them was immediate and effortless. Her home filled with pictures of her dogs past and present.  She treated every animal with care and compassion, believing they were as much as a part of the family as anyone else.

Books were another of Kathleen’s passions. An avid reader, she could often be found with a novel in hand, lost in a story but always ready to share a recommendation or thoughtful insight. Her daughter and in son- in- law would laugh every time they would open the mailbox and it would be full of magazines or books she would order. 

Perhaps most remarkable was Kathleen’s unwavering sense of humor. Even in difficult times, like when she was driving, but particularly when facing her own health issues, she remained a source of comfort and levity. She never let her circumstances define her and always prioritized the emotional well-being of her loved ones. Her ability to “keep it light,” even in the darkest of moments, was not only a coping mechanism, but it was also a gift. Her laughter was a balm, and her wit, often understated, but always perfectly timed, reminded those around her that joy can be found even amid hardship. Every night she would pray to Saint Anthony to keep her loved ones safe from harm, never praying for her own well being just for that of other even when it was herself who would need those prayers the most.

Her life became complete with the birth of her grandchildren. She stepped gracefully into her role as “Gram” and loved every minute spent with her two grandsons, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them when they needed the wisdom only a grandparent can impart.

Kathleen was predeceased by her sister Theresa A. Brown.

She is survived by her loving children, Lisa Gatta and her husband Michael of Burlington, and George Cangiano and his wife Nicole of North Reading as well as her two beloved grandsons, Jacob and John Gatta and her four legged companion Milo.

At her request, all funeral services are private and at the convenience of her family. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. www.sullivanfuneralhome.net