Kathleen M. Veroude

Kathleen Mary (Murphy) Veroude Bayard, 64, died Monday, September 26, 2022, at home, under the loving care of her family, following a brief illness. 

She leaves her husband of 18 years, Guerlain Bayard; a daughter, Danit Veroude of Worcester; a son, Jason Veroude of Leominster; a step-son, Guirvens Bayard; two step-daughters: Kris-Guerly Bayard, and Gloria Bayard, all of Clinton; two brothers: Yorke Murphy of Leicester, and Brett Murphy of Clinton; two sisters: Sharon Mshooshian of Holden, and her twin sister, Karen Van O'Linda, of Columbia, SC; several nieces and nephews. She was happily anticipating the birth of her first grandchild in the coming months. 

Kathleen was born and raised in Framingham, the daughter of the late Yorke W. and Eleanor (McRoberts) Murphy. She was a graduate of Framingham High School, Class of 1975. After graduating, Kathy attended Mass Bay Community College's Nursing program before pursuing the adventure of living on a kibbutz, Kibbutz Ha'Ogen, in Israel, where she met her first husband, Jan F. Veroude. Kathy worked for a few years at Bose Corporation until moving to West Brookfield, MA, with her husband and two children. Kathleen returned to college at 30, earning an associate's degree from Quinsigamond Community College in Human Services: Substance Abuse, summa cum laude. She completed her bachelor's degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology and Sociology from Our Lady of the Elms College with a full scholarship. While working as a school psychologist in Grafton, MA, and later at the Dr. Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster, MA, Kathy earned her Master's Degree and CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) in School Psychology through the American International College in Springfield, MA. 

During her career in private and public educational settings, Kathy worked as a Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist at various schools. With her expertise, she enabled students to achieve their potential by ensuring needed services to assist them in learning compensatory skills and strategies to expand their career options and participate as valued community members. Kathy advocated tirelessly to support the rights and needs of the students under her administration. She also gave free advice and consultations to family and friends struggling to understand the complex and dynamic special education laws.

Kathy was the Assistant Director of Education at the Dr. Franklin Perkins School. She then served as the Director of Education at the Willow Hill School in Sudbury, MA, after which she became Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services for the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District from 2010 - November 2019. 

She was working as the Special Education Coordinator for the Athol School District before succumbing to illness.  

Her contributions to the betterment of others extended into her local community. Kathy supported the Montachusett Girl Scouts as a troop leader and member of the board of directors for over 20 years. She volunteered for nine years on the Board of Directors of the Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc., taking on various roles as needed and being the Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President at different times while on the Board of Directors for Wheat Community Services.

She was a member of the Hope Chapel, Sterling, MA. 

Kathleen's funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 10:30 am in Hope Chapel, 35 Chocksett Road, Sterling, MA. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Whitinsville, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church Street, Clinton. Flowers may be sent, or donations may be made in memory of Kathleen, to WHEAT Community Services, 44 High Street, Clinton, MA 01510.