Kathleen Ann Lopez

Kathleen Ann (Lebuis) Lopez passed away on November 23, 2023, at the age of 74 at the Dr. Ruth McClain Hospice Home in Braintree, Massachusetts following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Kathy was born on April 18, 1949, in Westerly, Rhode Island. Her mother called Kathy a “miracle baby,” born after being told she could not have another child. Kathy fondly remembered growing up around her extended family in rural Preston, Connecticut. She had a soft spot for the baby animals her father sometimes brought home as a conservation officer.

Kathy attended the New England Deaconess Hospital (NEDH) Nursing School in Boston and worked as an RN at NEDH following graduation. During this time, she met her future husband, Ed. Kathy and Ed were married at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Preston, Connecticut on September 11, 1971. The following year they moved to Phoenix, Arizona while pregnant with their first child, Michael. She was thrilled to give birth later to two more children, David and Kristen. In 1983 the family relocated back to the Northeast, first to Stony Brook, Long Island and later to Fairfield, New Jersey.

Kathy adored children. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mother who found fulfillment being involved in her children’s daily lives. She loved to make every holiday special, sewing Halloween costumes, filling Easter baskets with homemade chocolates, and bargain shopping for the most sought-after Christmas presents. After her own children grew up, Kathy shared her love for children babysitting for other families. She eagerly anticipated each of her five grandchildren and treasured every moment she was able to spend with them.

Outside of the home, Kathy was a cheerful person who would always welcome conversation. She loved walking and chatting with neighbors, often bringing along her dog Daisy. Kathy developed close friendships in each place she lived. She and Ed also enjoyed spending time in the swimming pool and going square dancing every Friday.

Kathy developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s and in 2019 moved to New Pond Village assisted living memory care in Walpole, Massachusetts. The family is grateful for the love and care that the New Pond staff provided. Kathy enjoyed the social activities, walking the hallways, and helping the nurses with their rounds. Ed visited daily, usually bringing a chocolate milkshake as a treat for her. On September 11, 2021, Kathy and Ed celebrated their 50th anniversary at a special Mass with friends and family, including several members of their wedding party. In October 2023, Kathy transferred to the Dr. Ruth McClain Hospice Home where she spent her final days.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 52 years Edward Lopez and their children: Michael and his wife Rebecca of Walpole, MA; David and his wife Regina of East Northport, NY; and Kristen of Washington, DC. Kathy is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Matthew, Joshua, Caitlin, Colin, and Cara. She also had a special relationship with her niece Heather and great-niece Chloe. Kathy was pre-deceased by her parents Stanley and Mary Lebuis and her brother Stanley Lebuis Jr. of Preston, CT.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kathy's Visitation on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Friday, December 1st, 2023, at 9:00 am prior to Kathy's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole at 10:00 AM.  Interment will take place privately at Saint Francis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Several Sources Shelters (www.severalsources.org/get-involved/donate) or to Old Colony Hospice (www.oldcolonyhospice.org/donation-overview). If you are a resident of Massachusetts, please consider writing a letter to your state representatives in favor of S374 / H650 to enable assisted living nurses to expand their residents’ care to include injections, wound care, oxygen and diabetes management.