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Katherine Puleo Obituary
HOLDEN - Katherine M. (Galvin) Puleo, 74 of Holden, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence surrounded by her dedicated and loving family.
Katherine is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lucien P. "Lou" Puleo; two daughters, Joann Wilde and her husband Mark of Rutland and Jacqueline Degaetano of Port St. Lucie, FL; her brother, Thomas Galvin and his fiancé Katherine Coleman of Stoneham, MA; two sisters, Patricia Miranda and her husband Michael of Nashua, NH and Debra Marinello and her husband Frank of Somerville, MA; three grandchildren, Dan Wilde and his wife Joy of Paxton, Stephanie Mucci and her husband Steven of Holden, and Josiah Degaetano of Florida; two great grandchildren, Milania Mucci and Charlie Wilde; many nieces and nephews.
Katherine was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a daughter to the late Joseph G. and Sonja M. (Koschuk) Galvin. She graduated from Cardinal Cushing School in Boston. Katherine later received an associate's degree in nursing. Katherine was a gourmet cook who cherished feeding her family and friends. She loved the outdoors and was an avid skier who loved to take walks and tend her garden. Katherine was an active member of the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens, Old Sturbridge Village, and the Worcester Historical Society. She delighted in discovering new places to dine, as well as explore historical sites and antique stores. But perhaps most importantly to Katherine - and the many lives she touched - was her faith and work in ministry.
Katherine became a born-again Christian in 1976 and was ordained as a minister in 1997. She was actively involved with several ministries and churches, considered a forerunner in the prayer movement in Massachusetts and beyond. She founded Weeping Willows Worship Ministry in 1990, dedicated to praying for the leaders and government of New England in repentance and revival. She was designated the Massachusetts State Coordinator for the Christian Coalition, where among her most significant achievements was starting a monthly prayer meeting at Boston City Hall and in the State House. For the first time in 130 years, over 220 pastors and legislators, including the Speaker of the House, attended a prayer breakfast at the State House organized by Reverend Puleo.
Katherine enjoyed her travels throughout Europe and Israel as well as her work in counseling and retreats with the homeless at the Boston Rescue Mission. She had a heart for America, politics, and culture, and impacted countless lives with her true gift for personal ministry. For pastors and government officials alike, the homeless and the hurting, Katherine had the ability to get to the heart of the matter and bring forth God's healing, deliverance, and restoration through His unconditional love.
Services for Katherine will be held on Monday, December 5, 2016 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Freedom Worship Center, West Boylston. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery, Paxton. A period of calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 4th from 2-5 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making donations to: Freedom Worship Center, 141 West Boylston Street, West Boylston, MA. 01583. To share your thoughts, memories and prayers, please visit her personal guestbook at
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Puleo
Jacqueline Degaetano
November 25, 2024
My heart aches missing you! I love you Mum!
Kathleen Fowle
June 14, 2020
Katherine Puleo will always be cherished. She was not quick to judge a soul but intuitive of ones heart. She carried a call to bring restoration and reconciliation between people, ministries and this nation. Her passion for Massachusetts and this nation birthed an awakening in me and opened my eyes to the people and nation of Israel. I am forever grateful. Your reward is with our Lord Jesus!
December 31, 2017
Life is just not the same without you in it I will miss you forever mum
Lisa McColgan
October 25, 2017
Happy Birthday, Beloved Katherine.
Even though you have been gone for almost a year, your love and impact and legacy continue on.
Your ministry to me and to the Dalton United Methodist Church through the years was a cherished blessing.
To Katherine's Family, we weep with you and we celebrate her life in on-going respect. May you be comforted when you feel the sting of loss by the One who is Love Incarnate.
Until eternity envelopes the rest of us,
Lisa McColgan
Olive Knight
March 15, 2017
Just found a photo of Kathy and searched online and found her obit. My sympathy to the family. For the short time I knew her she was a faithful and prayerful woman. And such a vibrant personality. Blessings on you all.
March 2, 2017
3 months have pasted and I miss you more each day, I will forever love you muma! You were my best friend!!!
Your loving daughter,
Jaqueline Degaetano ps Josiah misses u too!!!
Debbie Kerr
February 25, 2017
Today I started to call you, Katherin but I'd lost your number. I googled your name to get it and to my great surprise I found your obituary. You came back into my life at a crucial time. Thank you for loving me and not judging me. I will miss you. To all of Katherine's family- I'm sorry for you loss, she often talked about each of you with deep love and faith that you would walk with Jesus. Praying for you all as you grieve the great loss of your wife, mother, grandmother.
Michelle (Lemery) Marshall
December 8, 2016
Jackie and Joann,
I am very sad to hear of the passing of your mother. I will always remember her fondly as part of my childhood. May God Bless you both.
Barbara White
December 5, 2016
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Sincerely Barbara Govoni White
Dennis Molinari
December 5, 2016
Lou and Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Sharon Kelley
December 5, 2016
I am. so sorry I am unable to attend. Katherine was instrumental in my walk with the Lord. I was dreaming about her and The Weeping Willows Team last night. I pray for all of her family, that the peace of god carry them and lift their hearts. I pray that the good memories overtake the sorrow and that you may know the Lord God as she did, Surely the Lord Has welcomed this beautiful lady. For all her friends my love and prayers to you as well. May God watch over you.
Margalit Friedman
December 5, 2016
To the family of our dear Katherine. It is with shock and great grief that we learned today of Katherine's passing. We will never forget her great kindness and love during a very dark period of our lives. She brought light, encouragement, joy, beauty and faith to an often difficult world. Her legacy here on earth is eternal and we are forever grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross. We send our condolences to you all and want you to know we hold you close to our hearts in these difficult days. We wish we could be there with you. With all of our love from Jerusalem....your friend, Margalit.
December 5, 2016
With deepest sympathies...Katherine was one of the greatest friends and supporters of the Jewish people that I have ever met. In addition, she was as welcoming a person and as helpful a person as I've ever had in my professional career. I am sad that we have lost such a wonderful friend. America has lost a true patriot, one who was always proud of her nation, and who lived her life boldly, bravely in keeping with the values that he carried. She carried the legacy of the founding fathers of America deep within her, and all of America should be proud of her life. My family expresses our deepest regrets and feels the pain of such a great loss. Rabbi Dr. David Friedman, Jerusalem, Israel
Chris Therrien
December 4, 2016
Lou, Jackie, Joann and all the extended family. It was my privilege and a blessing that the Lord caused our paths to cross. Katherine brought a light that no one else could. She has been an awesome lady and friend. My sincere condolences to you all.
Debbi (Borci) Ziegler
December 4, 2016
Dear Lucian, Joanne, and Jackie, I can hardly think of my childhood without you all in it. Swimming, sleepovers, making our little plays in the basement.... and always, Kathy's smile, her unique and infectious laugh, her beautiful hair! To this day, I still think about the beautiful books she shared with me. She made that amazing floral wreath that I wore on my wedding day! Though we've lost touch over the years, she is, and you all are, woven into my heart. I was so happy to bump into her last year at the local nursery! I can picture our moms having a good giggle together now. I know your loss is great, but I hope you feel that you are supported in your grief by prayers and the joy that Heaven has received a very special angel.
December 4, 2016
Dear Lucien and family. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of such a great woman. God, watch over her and bless her your family with your loving peace.
Joe (Magic) and Carol Lapomardo
Laura Tilsley Garcia
December 4, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire Puleo family for your loss. I have many fond memories of your Mom and how kind and warm she was to me the many times I came to visit and stay with your family as a child. I always enjoyed her great sense of humor and fun and always looked forward to visiting and seeing all the Puleos back then. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Laura Tilsley Garcia
Love, Kevin, Barbara and Kyle
December 4, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Chris Hirons
December 4, 2016
Lou, so sorry for your loss. Donna and I both send our heartfelt condolences.
Nikki Oliveri
December 4, 2016
I remember going to your house in Holden. By far she was the best tickler I ever met and always made me feel comfortable at your house. I know my dad is with her and the two of them are sharing some laughs.
Sandy Sklarz
December 3, 2016
Joanne and family , My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, a mothers love if forever and I am so sorry for your lose .
Denise Nicolas
December 3, 2016
So sorry for your loss she will be forever missed and loved
Kenny and Denise
December 3, 2016
Very sorry for your loss she will always be protected you all miss her dearly
Love Kenny and Denise
Jane Johnson
December 3, 2016
Dear Lou, Joann, Jackie and family,
I feel so thankful for having known Katherine as a dear friend. I share both grief and joy with you as we mourn her loss and celebrate her life. Her love for Christ, for each of you and for all people will continue to bear fruit in our lives as we run our own races marked out for us by the Lord. I know she is urging us on.
Sending love and sympathy,
Melanie Lobosky
December 3, 2016
An awesome woman whose life was poured out to bless all those around her. I am grateful to be one of those fortunate people. Thank you. Now you receive your reward.
My deepest sympathy to the family
Arthur Verdini
December 3, 2016
Lucien and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Artie Verdini
Matt Leone
December 3, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Clark
December 3, 2016
Katherine was a major contributor to the change that is happening in New England. Her prayers are effective still. So glad to have known this pioneer of faith.
Jeannie Bruce-wiegersma
December 3, 2016
I send my deepest condolences to Lou, Joann, Jackie, and all of her family members. Katherine (Kathy) I knew her as then, and my sister Carol brought me to my first prayer meeting back in 1977. That was the beginning of my spiritual journey. I spent a lot of time at your house back then. Katherine and I would study the scriptures together and she was an inspiration for me with spontaneous prayer, and helping me to develop my spiritual gifts. Where ever Katherine went she was a light to the world. She was anointed with so many gifts of the spirit, bringing Christ's love and healing where ever she went. She was quite the prayer warrior. I will never forget her smile and the sound of her laughter and sense of humor. I pray that you all will feel the comfort, love , peace and strength of Christ. Love Jeannie
December 3, 2016
Lou, Joann, & Jackie We are so very sorry for your loss. Katherine was a very loving and faithful woman. You have her to watch over you and your families forever and she will be missed. You are all in our prayers. Love, Kathi & Vernon
Lisa Poulin
December 3, 2016
JoAnn and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am keeping all of you in thoughts and prayers. God bless Love you all.
Kathy McKinnon
December 3, 2016
My dear, sweet friend, Katherine, how I will miss you! I so enjoyed our times together. To Lou, Joann and Jackie and all the family, our hearts break with you. Mac and I pray God's comfort for all of you.
Kathy Farley
December 3, 2016
To the Puleso family.Joanne, So sorry for the lose of your Mom. My thought and prayers are with you and everyone who was blessed to have her in their life. Prayers and comfort to all.
Christie and Katherine Leary
December 3, 2016
Dearest Katherine, thank you for always being there and for listening. There was always an adventure in Intercession when you were involved. I delight in knowing that you are now at the right hand of the Father praying with Jesus for us all. Well done, good and faithful servant of Christ. We love you very much. Our prayers and condolences are with your family.
Donna and David Hill
December 2, 2016
Katherine you will be forever in our hearts. Thank you for all your love and kindness that you gave to me and my family over the years. You are a great treasure to all you have touched. David and I loved the time we prayed and shared the Word and for all the laughter. Our prayers go out to all the family. We will miss your beautiful smile. Love you, Donna & David
Lisa Himmer
December 2, 2016
To all of Katherine's family, my heart breaks for you. Joann, we've been best friends for 38 years and your family has been my second family. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Your mom was a very special lady and helped so many others through her Ministry and friendship. She will be greatly missed, but her strong spirit will remain. I love you, Lisa
Chickie Taylor
December 2, 2016
Katherine is a treasure in my life. I first met her and came to her for wise counsel years ago. Through the years we became friends, and spent much time on the phone and in visits to her house, laughing, praying, receiving counsel and sharing our love of family and the great outdoors, and our Lord. She taught me the difference between real love and the counterfeit. It is a life lesson I will pass on to others. As I said on my facebook page, love has a name, love has a face...Katherine Puleo. She will be greatly missed in my life, but will live on in my heart.
Debra Freeman King
December 2, 2016
To the Puleo family, my heart and prayers go out to you. May the Lord wrap his arms of love and comfort around you during this difficult time. Katherine was a dear friend and a treasure. She will surely be missed. If there Is anything I can do for you please let me know. Love, Debbie
December 2, 2016
Lou, JoAnn, Jackie and families, Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. Know that Katherine's spirit will live on in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
~Tony & Nancy Macaruso
CARL GENTILE
December 2, 2016
prayers for KATHERINE
Jodi Brunelle
December 2, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love the Brunelle family
Elyce & Fred Perlstadt
December 2, 2016
Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. May your memories of Katherine bring you comfort. She will live on through all of you, her beautiful family.
G-d bless.
Joy Wilde
December 2, 2016
Love you Meme. You will be missed ! Xoxo
Joy Wilde
Stacie Galvin
December 2, 2016
We will miss her so much. Always in our hearts and in millions of memories. She was such a cherished member of our family.
Stephanie, Steven & Milania
December 2, 2016
Meme- We will always remember the good times we had and we will never forget the love you had for us.
Philip
December 2, 2016
What a wonderful aunt. You will be missed by many. You have made a lasting impact on my life.
Amy & Ed Sheridan
December 2, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Lou, Joann, Jackie and the entire Puleo and Galvin families. Katherine will always be known as "Mimi" to us. She was a wonderful grandmother and fabulous chef, with an amazing eye for design and decor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Dan Wilde
December 2, 2016
She was my best friend. The best grandmother I could ever ask for. We traveled all over New England together. She made such an impact on my and life and I will be forever grateful for her.
Holly Oliveri
December 2, 2016
Dear Lou, Joanne, Jackie and family....I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful loving lady and friend to me and my family. The memories start back when I first met all of you in 1971 as a tenant on Kalmar St. in Worcester. We quickly became friends and we have shared wonderful times in everyday life and holidays alike.
A generous woman with her time and talents,
always helping me and so many with her kindness is what I will remember most.
She will be missed by so many. Loving thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Love Holly
Kathy Buduo
December 2, 2016
To the Puleo family,
Sending thoughts and prayers your way. She will be missed.
Shelli Manuel
December 2, 2016
Katherine, you were such a dear sweet friend; there when I needed you most. Always a light. Always a laughter of joy in your countenance. Thank you for hosting me so often in your beautiful home. And thank you for introducing David and I to Wisdom Mountain. We pray for Lou and the girls. Your light in the Boston State House as the state's 'Lydia of Prayer" will never ever be forgotten. Will miss you terribly.
Love
Dr. Shelli Baker Manuel
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