Kathleen "Kathy" McKew

Our beloved Kathy left us on May 29th after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Kathy was born on July 9, 1954, the daughter of Dorothy Joan McKeon and John (Jack) McKew. She was the second oldest of six siblings. She grew up in New York, Florida and Massachusetts. After graduating from Wayland High School, she began a 50 year career at Raytheon Corporation, where she retired in 2023. Her long career as an International Benefits Administrator, gave her the opportunity to travel to Saudi Arabia and Germany. Most important were the decades of relationships she developed and the great many friends she made and so many people who counted on her.

Kathy was a fierce and devoted single Mom, who raised her daughters Jenna and Trisha. She dedicated her life to raising them, providing them love, support and opportunities. They are her most important career and life accomplishments. Equally important was her relationship with her grandchildren, Brady and Breana, who she doted on with much love and affection. Being called Gramma was her most coveted title. That love and affection was evident by the care and kindness demonstrated by those children over the years and throughout her illness.

Kathy enjoyed big family vacations at Wells Beach in Maine, decorating for holidays, gardening, gathering with friends, and bird watching with her partner Frank.

Her family is forever grateful to Frank for his care, love and unwavering devotion to Kathy. As her disease progressed, he was there for her throughout her most difficult days providing her support, comfort and love.

Frank, her daughters, family and friends loved her because she was honest, never backed down and never gave up on life or her family. Those challenges made her stronger and were examples of courage and dedication for them to follow.

Kathy leaves behind her significant other of 30 years Frank Kiley, her daughters Trisha McKew, daughter Jenna Jordan, her husband Bruce and their children Brady and Breana. She also leaves behind her sister Dorothy Puccia, her husband Phil Puccia and her sister Nancy Costa and her husband Andrew Costa, brothers John McKew and Brian McKew. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

She was predeceased by her father John Anthony (Jack) McKew, mother Dorothy Joan (McKew) McKeon, her brother Gerard McKew and her godson Andrew Costa Jr.

Your love, guidance, and strength will always be with us, Simply the Best.

Memorial Mass: June 7, 2024; 10:30am; St. Joseph Church, 43 Main Street, Salem, NH, followed by a Celebration of Life at Sayde's, 136 Cluff Crossing, Salem, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice.