06/12/2026
KATHLEEN P. CONNOLLY – Of Woburn, passed away peacefully, June 9th at the age of sixty-five.
Born and raised in Woburn, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of the late Coleman F. and Jane B. (Lydon) Connolly formerly of Co. Galway, Ireland. Kathy was a proud Woburn Memorial High School Class of 1979 Graduate. Kathy is an alumna of Tufts University where her remarkable intellect, curiosity, and desire to learn led her to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Russian, Anthropoligy, and International Relations. Kathy then continued on to Boston College, where she received her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration. Kathy’s love of learning, thoughtful nature, and exceedingly sharp mind remained a most defining quality throughout her life.
Kathy embarked on a rather distinguished career at the MIT Sloan School of Management. She was very well respected for her intelligence, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. Kathy’s work connected her with scholars and researchers from around the world, which was a reflection of her lifelong appreciation for education and knowledge.
Kathy possessed a deep love for travel and adventure. After graduating from college, she spent time exploring Ireland, England, and France where she created memories and experiences that she treasured throughout her life. Extremely proud of her Irish heritage, Kathy especially enjoyed trips to Ireland with her family and valued the opportunities to connect with her family’s homeland.
While Kathy’s accomplishments were many, those who knew her will remember her for the devotion she had to her beloved family. Kathy maintained very close relationships with her siblings, nieces, and nephews, who affectionately knew her as “Aunt Kathy” . She delighted in family gatherings and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.
Bright, engaging, and independent, Kathy approached life with determination and grace. Though life presented challenges, Kathy met them with quiet strength and resilience, never allowing those challenges to diminish her love for family, learning, and the people who mattered most to her. Kathy’s intelligence, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will remain her lasting legacy.
Kathleen was the loving sister of John Connolly and his wife Terry, Daniel Connolly and his wife Sandy, Mary O’Brien and her husband Daniel, Jean Connolly, all of Woburn, and Diane McCarthy and her husband Allen of East Bridgewater. She was the beloved “Aunt Kathy” to her many loving nieces and nephews. Kathleen is also survived by many relatives and friends.
Kathleen’s Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, June 17th, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn. Burial in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, June 16th from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn.