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Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home

55 High Rock Street

Westwood, Massachusetts

CATHLEEN NALLY Obituary

NALLY, Cathleen A. (Hurley) Age 62, formerly of Westwood, MA, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022.

Born on January 4, 1960, in Holyoke, MA, she is the beloved daughter of Carol (Daly) Hurley and the late Edwin H. Hurley, Jr. She attended Taconic High School in Pittsfield, MA, before graduating from Green Mountain College in 1980 with a degree in Retail Management. Her love of fashion only grew during her 40 years in the clothing industry.

Cathy found her soulmate, John J. Nally, in 1981 and married him a year later, spending 20 magical years together until his sudden passing. They devoted their lives to raising their two children, Danny and Betsy, and she had the joy earlier this year of welcoming her first granddaughter, Riley Cathleen McKenna.

After her ALS diagnosis, Cathy met with politicians across the country to advocate for greater funding of ALS research so that others would not face a similar fate. Her determination and courage was rewarded in December 2021 when the national ACT for ALS was signed into law. Two weeks later, hundreds of friends continue to raise awareness for ALS in the first annual Rally 4 Nally.

While known for her curly blonde hair and ever present smile, Cathy is best remembered for her zest for life, quick wit, inner strength, and warmth that made every person feel like her best friend. She loved finding ways to bring people together, whether it be through her iconic clothing sample sales, perfecting her skills on the golf course, or hosting friends and family for a home cooked feast (alongside a few cocktails). Nothing brought her greater joy than being with those she loved most.

Cathy was predeceased by her husband, John Nally; and her father, Edwin Hurley, Jr. She is survived by her son, Danny Nally; her daughter, Betsy (Nally) McKenna; her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Riley; her mother, Carol Hurley; her brother, Ed Hurley, and his wife, Sue; and her brother-in-law, Jim Nally, and his wife, Tina. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom she adored.

In lieu of flowers, and in appreciation of the incredible care she received, Cathy requested that contributions in her name be made to Compassionate Care ALS (ccals.org). The family will continue to partner with this remarkable organization to ensure that Cathy's impact on ALS lives on.

Visiting Hours: Family and friends are kindly invited to attend Visitation on Wednesday, August 10, from 2-8pm at Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., WESTWOOD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning, August 11, at 10am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood. Burial at New Westwood Cemetery. To view Cathy's Funeral Mass via live stream, go to www.saintmmparish.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 5 to Aug. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for CATHLEEN NALLY

Not sure what to say?





Rose Sullivan

July 24, 2023

Cathy was an amazing lady. She was like a beautiful ray of sunshine every time she came into my spa. She was a facial client of mine for 15+years. We will all miss her. Hugs to her family -Rose at Alluna

Dyer-Lake Funeral Home

February 2, 2023

Ed and Family:
Our belated condolences on the passing of your sister. We remember her vibrant spirit and gracious soul when Dad passed. May your faith and fond memories keep her with each of you always.
Your friends at Dyer-Lake Funeral Home

P.S. Best obituary photo ever!!

james hobert

September 15, 2022

Eddie,
I'm so sorry about Kathy. She was a fine human being. I salute Kathy for being a powerful advocate for ALS. funding and research to help others in the future. Please express my sympathy to your Mom. Our prayers are with you at this time. God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Jim Hobert Jr.
Rosalie Hobert

Judith Wine

August 22, 2022

Dear Danny and Betsy,
I learned of your mom's passing through Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss. Although, I didn't know your mom well, I always enjoyed our conversations. I had the sense that she was an amazingly resilient and strong woman.
I retired from Westwood in 2018 and have been living in Vermont with my husband since then. I continue to teach on a part-time basis and still love it. Regards to you both and hope that the memory of your mom will give you some joy and peace.
Best,
Judith Wine

Ann Hobert

August 14, 2022

To Mrs. Hurley, Eddie and family and Cathy's children~~
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I was so sad to hear about Cathy's passing.
I remember Cathy (and Eddie and family) from when they lived in Holyoke MA.
I met Cathy while she attended school in Holyoke back in her teen years.
Cathy was a beautiful person back then. She was a great person with great energy even back in her teens:) She was always full of life and it sounds like she was like that through her entire life.
God has a new angel in Heaven.
Blessings and strength to all of you going forward.
Love,
Ann Hobert

Joyce Cunningham

August 12, 2022

Betsy and Danny, you probably don't remember me as it's been decades since your parents had me do some mural painting in your kitchen. But I certainly remember what a remarkable family you are and have remarked as such to people on numerous occasions over the years. I was privileged to have spent some time with you all, in happy times, before your dad passed.

You have had more heartache than any family should ever have and yet have been so brave.

I hope you will take solace in the thought that your parents are together in heaven. Your mom is filling your dad in on all that has transpired over the years and I'm sure he is extremely proud of how she continued raising you while accomplishing so much.

Stay strong.

The Laughna Family

August 12, 2022

The Nallys were among the first to welcome the Laughnas to Westwood 25 years ago. We are so sorry for this tremendous loss to the family and community.

The Gavin Family

August 11, 2022

So sorry for your loss Danny and Betsy. Your Mom was such a strong , vibrant women. A class act. Hold on to Happy Memories. Thinking of you and your Families.

Louise Ciampi

August 11, 2022

Cathy truly believed we could make this world a better place. Her innate grace and determination will shine forever in our hearts. She will never be forgotten.

Russ and June Wright

August 10, 2022

Carol, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. We know from personal experience how difficult it is to lose a child. Your loving family will be there to support you every step of the way.

Kathy Lever

August 10, 2022

I enjoyed knowing Cathy and her family when I was her neighbor in Westwood. I remember Cathy as a positive and caring person who was devoted to her family.

Single Memorial Tree

Liz and Jesse Shaw

Planted Trees

Bobby Kipp

August 9, 2022

In the short time I have known Cathy, she has been nothing but inspiring, brilliant, positive, determined and radiant. Her efforts to make the world better for all people living with ALS show how unselfish and caring she was. I will really miss her, and always think of her energy and positivity. My deepest condolences to her family on her passing.

Jennifer Wright

August 9, 2022

I haven´t known Cathy long, and only online with our ALS advocacy group. But Cathy brought so much energy and joy to the group. Her positive outlook and radiant personality were an inspiration. She will be greatly missed, but will continue to inspire me and so many others. In Sympathy, Jennifer Wright

Ivory Elegance Floral Basket

Ross, Kerie and Ryan Musumeci

Sent Flowers

Maureen & Skip Berte

August 8, 2022

Dear Carol & Family, our condolences on the loss of your beloved Cathy. She was an inspiration to all that knew her and will be missed. Love , Maureen & Skip

Lisa Hurd

August 8, 2022

I had the absolute pleasure to meet Cathy over twenty years ago. Her infectious smile and personality is something I will never forget. I am a better person for having know her and I was always so honored when people would tell me I looked like her with the same curly hair. She was amazing and brought life to everyone and everything around her. She was a blessing to all. I always loved all the humble stories about her beautiful children Betsy and Danny. I send me sincere condolences to her Mom, children and the rest of her family. She was a gift and will be painfully missed.

Hallie Cambridge

August 8, 2022

Sending our deepest condolences to Cathy's family. Cathy was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. She will always remain in our hearts at Gables University Station as a beloved resident.

Kevin Aries

August 7, 2022

Danny and family, I´m so sorry to hear about the death of your Mom. Your family is and will always be such an important part of Westwood and the work your Mom has done for the ALS community is just as inspiring. Keep us in mind if there´s anything we can do to support you during this difficult time.

Ilene Epstein

August 7, 2022

It is hard to convey the profound sense of loss that all of us who knew Cathy are feeling. To say she was special seems inadequate... just spotting her across a room was like feeling a ray of sunshine that broke through a cloud of golden curls. She had a kind of magnetic magic that infused all of us immediately with warmth and a sense that all was right in the world because she, the very best of us, was there.

We shall miss her terribly and will always treasure her presence in our lives and the inspiration she will be forever. My heart goes out to her family. Love, Sandy, Marcie and Ilene

Michael Foley

August 7, 2022

My sincere sympathy for your loss of such a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Janice Kennes

August 7, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of the entire family. Never met Cathy but know that she meant so much to Ed and Caitlin. Sending big hugs and prayers.

Alex Pagnotta

August 6, 2022

My deepest sympathy to all the Nally Family. It is our great loss to lose Cathy. She truly was one of a kind and most respected and loved person that I have ever known.
It with a heavy heart that I can´t make the funeral since I will be away. My heart and prayers will be there in Spirit and I will grieve this great loss for a long time.
May God Bless the Family and May Cathy rest in eternal peace.

Joe & Angela Ackerman

August 6, 2022

As a fellow clothing representative, I´ve known Cathy for many years. I´ve always found her to be very warm and welcoming. Cathy had a beautiful heart-you could tell she really cared about people and she always wore her warm smile. We will deeply miss her and we send our deepest condolences and love to her family Love, Joe and Angela

Seiya & Amanda (Cashmere Clouds)

August 6, 2022

Cathy is more than a friend to us. She is family.
When we first met (Auntie) Cathy, we knew right away that she is a kind-hearted mother with an incredibly positive outlook on life - and she was great with sharing this gift to others.

People would say, "Cathy! What are you doing here! So great to see you" while we were at trade shows and just started working with Cathy. Every conversation would end with a beaming smile!

In honour of Cathy, we will continue to support ALS research. We love you and miss you so much!

Seiya & Amanda
Cashmere Clouds

Heidi White

August 6, 2022

My life changed for the better when I had the honor of meeting you and then becoming friends while working on the video for ALS awareness. Your kindness and genuine glow melted my heart. Receiving photos of you and Riley made me so happy. The joy was written all over your face. It was precious. The world needs more people like you. I will miss you my friend.

Kevin Meagher

August 6, 2022

For children of John and Cathy As your father s high school best friend. And vise versa I never saw your father in his younger life more excited than when he met your mother. He was smitten beyond believe and I am sure both you kids grew to see that as well. May you both find peace during yet another difficult transition your family has faced.

Steven Kowalski

August 5, 2022

Cathy and I became friends as a result of both of us being diagnosed with ALS. We quickly realized we had so much in common. We both moved to Boston, we had children the same age and we both had a long careers in sales. We immediately became friends. We also shared a positive view of life even though we were living with an incurable terminal illness. We shared the belief that if you lived a great life, no need to waste one second being sad about our circumstances, but to advocate and share our stories. I will miss her smile, positivity and friendship. I will continue to advocate for ALS research and care in her honor!

Bernadette McCauley

August 5, 2022

Cathy you will be greatly missed. You were the kindest and warmest person I've ever met. Love and hugs to Betsy and Dan !
Love Bern

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

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Memorial Events
for CATHLEEN NALLY

Aug

10

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home

55 High Rock Street, Westwood, MA

Aug

11

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Saint Margaret Mary Church

845 High St., Westwood, MA

Aug

11

Burial

New Westwood Cemetery

Westwood, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home

55 High Rock Street, Westwood, MA 02090

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