Kathleen Ruth Salzberg

Kathleen Ruth (Donaghey) Salzberg, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with her loving family by her side at her daughter’s home in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 17, 1940, she was the daughter of Joseph Patrick and Ruth Patricia (Armstrong) Donaghey.

Raised in Canton, Massachusetts, Kathy graduated from Canton High School with the class of 1957. After graduation she continued her education at Boston College, enrolling in one of their exclusive women’s collegiate programs to study journalism. She also volunteered as a member of the Peace Corps, educating people about civil rights during the Vietnam War. One warm summer evening in 1959 Kathy met a young man at a party on Green Harbor Beach in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Wedding bells soon rang, and Kathy married the love of her life, David Gerald Salzberg, on July 9, 1960, in Boston, Massachusetts. The young couple made their married home in Norwood, Massachusetts, welcoming their first of three children the following year.

As her children began to grow, Kathy put the skills she had learned at Boston College to use, accepting a position as a political correspondent at the Patriot Ledger for the Norwood area beginning in the early 1970's. A woman in the newsroom was novel and Kathy worked hard to prove that she deserved to be there, not letting the adversity of her situation discourage her, but instead allowing it to empower her and inspire her to do her best. She remained with the newspaper until 1976, but her love of writing remained with her. The same year, the Salzberg family moved to nearby Walpole, Massachusetts where David owned a pet grooming business called The Village Groomer. Kathy joined her husband there, learning the ins and outs of the industry. She would become a master groomer and take over the business as David pursued other career interests. Eventually Kathy would be joined by their daughter Missi, working alongside each other until her retirement in 2011. Kathy never truly left journalism behind, as she began to perfect her trade she began to publish articles for the pet industry. She was a contributor to Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy, several industry magazines, as well as published multiple books and a novel. Her excellence in both the fields of grooming and journalism was recognized when she won the Pet Industry Journalist of the Year award twice.

In her retirement, Kathy moved to Eastham, Massachusetts. It had always been her dream to live there and she worked so hard to make it come true. She loved Cape Cod and enjoyed being so close to one of her favorite spots to visit, Provincetown.

Kathy was an extraordinary woman who, throughout her life, exemplified the values that she cherished so deeply; authenticity, kindness, inclusivity, acceptance, and justice among many others. She truly lived her values and, as matriarch of her family, instilled them in her children, teaching them compassion, how to be open-minded, and how to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. She was a woman ahead of her time and made the world a better place for all who knew her because of it.

Family was the most important aspect of Kathy's life. She was a fun and active mother, gifting her children with wonderful memories of their childhood playing with her and tucking them into bed each night. While she had a quietness about her, people would be remiss to mistake that for weakness, as she was a strong, protective woman who's children never once doubted if their mother would have their backs. She encouraged their interests and supported their decisions, proud of them and the adults they would one day become. Her love extended to her children’s in-laws, with Kathy welcoming them into her family with open arms. And when her children began having children of their own, she could not contain her happiness. Kathy thrived as a grandmother, always present and attentive, and in dressing up to take the kids trick or treating. She made regular visits to her grandchildren across the country, taking time while there for get togethers with her in-laws.

In her free time, Kathy enjoyed writing, sending beautifully written cards and letters to her family members and friends. She loved animals, especially dogs, and had a passion for rescue. Date nights were concerts at the Indian Ranch and long rides together on David's Harley. At home, Kathy enjoyed the title of "Scrabble World Champion", decimating everyone's scores with her expanded vocabulary. A true New Englander, Kathy was a diehard Red Sox fan, thankful to see them break the curse and become the champions she knew they were. Faith was also very important to Kathy. A family of blended faiths, she chose to raise her children in the Universalist Unitarian Church so that they would have exposure to a variety of belief systems and practices. She was proud to give this opportunity to her children and served as the religious education director for the Medfield UU for multiple years. She also made sure to take plenty of trips with her family to Green Harbor Beach, visiting the place where it all began.

Beloved wife of the late David Gerald Salzberg.

Loving mother of David G. Salzberg Jr. and his wife Aline (Pham) of Chatsworth, California, Peter B. Salzberg and his wife Julianne (Collins) of Franklin, and Melissa "Missi" R. Salzberg and her wife Tracy (Fanis) of Rehoboth.

Cherished grandmother of Quinn, Kaitlin, Dylan, Allison, Cara, and Evangeline; and great grandmother of Vincent, Callum, Dominic, and Camille.

Sister of Martha Martin of New Haven, Connecticut, Barbara Costa of Niantic, Connecticut, Joanne Rienzie of Brockton, Michael Donaghey of Hartford, Connecticut, the late Mary Patricia "Patty" Donaghey, and the late Frances Griffin.

Kathy is also survived by her Godson Adam Rienzie of Lowell, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kathleen's Life Celebration on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, in Saint Mary Parish, 1 Church Square, Franklin, at 11:00 AM. Interment will occur privately at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathleen's name may be made to the Neponset Valley Humane Society at P.O. Box 544, Norwood, MA 02062 or by visiting https://www.neponsethumane.org/