Katherine (Brosnihan) McGrath

Katherine “Kathy” (Brosnihan) McGrath, 68, of Holden passed away surrounded by family and friends after a long illness on Thursday, May 11^th, 2023.  

Kathy was born in Worcester, on November 8, 1954, the daughter of Morris and Eleanor (Sheehan) Brosnihan.  She later settled in Holden. While raising her family Kathy worked as a medical biller for Central Mass Healthcare. Kathy always had a passion for helping others and later on worked with elders in private home care. She then retired and moved to Sebastian Florida with her life partner Raymond Gottschalk of 27 years and their beloved dog Charlie.

Kathy is survived by Raymond, her two devoted children,  Raeleen Gallivan and her husband Sean of Holden, John McGrath and his love Tanya Ventres of Worcester; three grandchildren, Matthew Gaumond and his wife Yasmin, Patrick Gaumond and Taylor Gaumond;  a great granddaughter, Makenzie; niece, Jaycine and her children, Neil and Sean; extended family members and friends, including , her favorite cousin Patty, lifelong friends who were with her throughout her illness Mary, Lucille and Cindy, and her best mother in law/friend Midge.  Her sister Suzzanne Brosnihan predeceased her.

Kathy was a kind, caring person who loved helping people. She loved cooking and baking and loved to get together with family and friends during the holidays to make her famous Italian and whiskey cookies. She also enjoyed scrapbooking and painting.  Kathy’s family was the most important in her life, and she was her grandchildren’s number 1 fan. She spent countless days cheering on Matt, Pat and Taylor at their recreational activities.  In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering and making care packages for people in need.  Kathy loved going to Hampton beach and camping during summers.  She was selfless and always put everyone before herself. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehab Center for the care and compassion they provided to Kathy and her family. She made many friends there whom she considered her second family.  Kathy’s family would also like to thank Notre Dame Hospice for the care and comfort they gave to her during a difficult time. 

Calling hours for Kathy will be held on Thursday, May 18^th from 5 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street. Her funeral will be held Friday, May 19^th from the funeral home with a procession to St Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am.  Burial will follow in St. Johns Cemetery.