Katherine Rogan "Kay" Paltsios

Katherine (Kay) Rogan Paltsios, 92, of Watertown and Newton, died January 31, 2026. Everyone who knew and loved Kay would say she was curious, intelligent, pragmatic, resilient, thoughtful and kind.

Her personality and interests were reflected in the home she lived in for nearly seven decades. Collections of shells, shark teeth and stones found on favorite beaches in Maine and Florida. Shelves overflowing with books and binders of genealogy and family history. Small bird statues perched quietly on ledges. Treasures passed down through generations, found on travels or discovered at a good yard sale. Every surface held photos of family, ancestors, Ireland and Maine. Outside a garden - her haven - offered a place to connect with nature and sit in quiet reflection, or share a glass of wine and conversation with a friend.

Stoic and steadfast, Kay raised her four children after being widowed at 28. She returned to college and earned her bachelor's from Simmons and her master's from Harvard. As a high school biology teacher, she shared her curiosity and interest in nature and science.

Kay was loved and admired by her children Nancy O'Brien (Richard), Karol Paltsios (David), Peter Paltsios (Carol) and Dawn O'Reilly (Pat), who sadly died in 2024. She will be lovingly remembered by grandchildren Katie O'Brien, Sara Edwards, Rogan O'Reilly, Hayden Fisher, Nathan O'Brien, Anna Maynes, Charles Paltsios, Bridget O'Reilly, McKenna Fisher and Caitlyn North; great grandchildren Finn Edwards and Madelyn Maynes; her brother Al Rogan and niece Kellie Rogan; and her many loving neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Dawn, her parents Katherine Mearls Rogan and Albert Rogan, and her husband Stanley Paltsios.

In Kay's memory, learn about an ancestor, befriend a neighbor, plant flowers, watch the birds.