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Katherine Callaghan Obituary
FLORENCE, MA - Katherine L. Callaghan, 68, of Golden Drive passed peacefully on Thursday August 8, 2024 with her daughter, Kerry, at her side. Katherine or Kitty as family and friends called her, was born in Springfield, a daughter of the late Edward and Rita (Hart) Callaghan. She grew up in Springfield, attending local schools including Holy Name Catholic Grade school and graduated from Cathedral High School. Furthering her education, Katherine received degrees from Boston College, B.A., 1977 and Antioch School of Law, J.D., 1980. In 1994, Kitty met Michael Holroyde and they married in 1996. They welcomed their daughter, Kerry
into the world in 1998 and the family settled in Northampton. She worked as a lawyer for many years with Western Mass Legal Services where she was the Senior Housing Law Attorney. She also was an Attorney for Community legal aid as well as public juvenile defense in Hampshire County. Kitty also helped found the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center in Holyoke, the oldest fair housing center in Massachusetts. She was the founder of the Living wage coalition for Northampton, fighting for fair wages for valley workers. She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Holroyde and her partner Shante of Montague. Her siblings; John Callaghan (Catherine) of Wilbraham, James Callaghan of Indiana, Kim Murphy (Edward) of Florida, Ned Callaghan of Westfield, Ann Lander (Joseph) of Vermont and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout the area. A CELEBRATION OF KITTY'S LIFE WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 AT 11:00 A.M. AT THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF NORTHAMPTON & FLORENCE, 220 MAIN STREET, NORTHAMPTON. The family will receive friends for a period of fellowship (visitation) from 10-11 preceding the service. A Green burial service will be held for family and friends following the services at 1:00 P.M. at Highland Woods Natural Burial Ground, 390 Millers Falls Rd., Millers Falls. Those attending the service are invited to bring a small item from nature to be placed on Kitty's casket at the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Callaghan
Leslie and John McBride
August 15, 2024
Rest in peace, Kitty. With fond memories of life an Riverview Terrace. John & Leslie McBride
Marie A. Reynolds, Esq.
August 15, 2024
Kitty has been a dear friend for the past 51 years. She has been a part of a group of college friends and roommates who have remained life-long friends. Even in our early college days, Kitty was the most conscientious and hardworking of students, with a singular focus on attending law school. Her ambition to become an attorney was firmly grounded in a commitment to advocating for social justice. As an attorney, Kitty has personified the highest ideals of our profession and has been an inspiration to us all. Her devotion to the legal profession was demonstrated in her long career as a Housing and Juvenile Justice Advocate. Kitty´s integrity and devotion to the legal profession through advocacy for her clients was unparalleled. Only her love for her family exceeded her love for the law. She considered her dear husband, Michael, and their beloved daughter Kerry as her greatest and most cherished blessings. Kitty will be missed so much by all whose lives she has touched. Rest in Eternal Peace, my friend.
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Sidonia Dalby
August 14, 2024
We knew Kitty from swimming at the pool and were stunned to see her obituary. May she rest in eternal peace.
Fred and Sid Dalby
Beth Crawford
August 13, 2024
I am very sorry to learn of Kitty's death. She was a compassionate and dedicated attorney. She will be sorely missed in the Western Massachusetts legal community.
Tina
August 13, 2024
Kitty was a dedicated and strong advocate for her clients. She worked tirelessly on their behalf for many years. I had the chance to work with her and saw her dedication and commitment to helping others. Her death is a huge loss to this city and larger community.
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Funeral services provided by:
Ahearn Funeral Home - Northampton783 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA 01060
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