Kathleen (Walsh) Vaillette

Kathleen M. (Walsh) Vaillette, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2023, surrounded by the ones she loved, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was 65 years old. 

Kathy was born in Worcester on March 9th, 1957, to David I. Walsh, Sr. and Mary T. (Vallely) Antul, Walsh. She attended Worcester Public Schools and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for many years at the former Belmont Home, in addition to several other healthcare facilities. In 1991, she married Lawrence J. "Larry" Vaillette and became a devoted homemaker, caring for her family in Leominster.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Larry; her two sons, Zachary W. Vaillette and his fiancé, Sarah C. Kotyra of Winchester, Tyler L. Vaillette and his partner Nicole A. Kowesky of Leominster; her sister and best friend, Maureen F. “Moe” Walsh and her partner Lawrence A. Sullivan; brother, Walter P. “Chick” Antul, Jr. and his wife Patricia E. Antul, all of Worcester; her father-in-law, Lawrence A. Vaillette of Leominster; nieces, nephews, extended family and many close friends. In addition to her parents, a sister, Elizabeth A. “Libby” Gleason, brother, David I. Walsh, Jr. and mother-in-law, Gladys A. (Bouvier) Vaillette predeceased her.

Kathy's family was her greatest passion. Her source of pride and joy were her sons, who were the center of her world. Her unwavering love and devotion to her children were evident in everything she did.

She cherished spending time with family and friends, especially at the family camp on Lake Shirley. She also had a special bond with her sister, Moe, and looked forward to their daily phone calls. Kath had a great sense of humor, a huge heart, and a bright smile. She enjoyed bowling and playing pool, taking care of her home, going on walks with Larry and their granddog Joey, watching the boys play sports, kayaking on Lake Shirley, listening to country music, and driving, especially in her treasured 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. Kathy was a devoted member of St. Leo’s Parish in Leominster for over 20 years. 

A period of calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, followed by a prayer service at 1:00pm at the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street in Worcester. Burial will be held privately.

A special thank you goes to the doctors, nurses, and staff at both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Kathy’s entire care team provided exceptional care and compassionate support throughout her fight.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Kathleen M. Vaillette to support cancer research and patient care via dana-farber.org/gift or at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.