Catherine T. Madden

Catherine “Kathy” Teresa Madden (née Murphy) passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston following a short illness, surrounded by the love of her family. Kathy was predeceased by her beloved husband of 51 years, John; her sister, Anne Keelin; her sisters-in-law, Maureen Murphy and Maureen Hogan; and her brothers-in-law, Patrick Madden, Sean Hannan, and Martin Hogan.

Born in Albany, New York, on November 6, 1942, Kathy spent her childhood in Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park. After graduating from St. Thomas’s, Kathy attended Hickox Secretarial School where she had the distinction of being the first person to earn perfect scores on both the shorthand and typing tests on her first attempt. With this newfound recognition, Kathy carved out an exciting time for herself working in the city and traveling to new places. It was on one such adventure that she met John and made the bold decision to move across the Atlantic in 1968 to Limerick, Ireland, where she lived for eighteen years. A headstrong, fiercely independent woman who was afraid of nothing in this world, with the single exception of parallel parking, Kathy successfully raised her three children in Ireland throughout the 1970s and 1980s while her husband, John, spent many months of each year on the road as a tour guide for CIE Tours. During those years abroad, she never forgot her roots—proudly flying Old Glory every Fourth of July and single-handedly introducing the Irish to the wonders of drip coffee and streaky bacon. She fine-tuned her resourceful nature, carving turnips instead of pumpkins at Halloween which was no easy feat. In 1985, she returned home to Massachusetts with her husband and children and spent many years working administratively. Upon her retirement, Kathy devoted herself to her family, helping raise her granddaughter, Vivienne, and once again demonstrating her selflessness and unending love.

Kathy was unerringly inclusive and cared about doing what was right. She took great pride in knowing people and took the time to nurture her relationships through phone calls, texts, and everyone’s favorite, her letters that may or may not have included a newspaper clipping. Kathy could and would talk to anyone and had a knack for making even the most reticent of strangers want to engage with her. Kathy cared deeply about protecting the environment and was named Recycler of the Year in Norwood which was no surprise to anyone who visited her house and tried to throw anything away. She held a deep appreciation for birds and squirrels, her iTunes playlist, visits to North Conway, and the city of Boston. She held a passion for ice cream, Scrabble, getting out the vote, and educating others about the importance of recycling. Guided by her generous spirit, she was a quiet benefactor to many charities throughout her life. Above all, she found her greatest joy in sharing memories and spending time with family.

A devoted sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and steadfast friend, Kathy leaves behind a rich legacy of love, humor, and purpose. She is survived by her loving children: son Stephen and his wife Laura, son David and his wife Elise, and daughter Eve. She was the proud grandmother of Sr. Maria Corredemptrix, Colin and his wife Kelisa, Vivienne, and her loyal grand dog Rocky. Kathy is also survived by her sister Pat and brothers Frank and Bob; sisters-in-law Joan and Connie; brother-in-law Eamon and his wife Noreen; and a large and cherished network of cousins, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, and friends.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported Kathy throughout this difficult week. The Emergency Services Personnel at Norwood Fire Department and the staff at the Beth Israel Deaconess Neurology Intensive Care Unit provided extraordinary care which ensured our mother’s final days were filled with comfort and peace.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Timothy's Parish, 650 Nichols Street, NORWOOD on Saturday August 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The family will be present beginning at 9:45 AM to receive relatives and friends. Interment will follow the Mass at Highland Cemetery, 320 Winter Street, Norwood. Arrangements are in the care of Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Kathy's memory in the form of donations to the Norwood Food Pantry.