Born April 2, 1943 in Worcester, daughter of the late John & Mary (Sullivan) Turnan, Kathy was a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury. She graduated from Shrewsbury High School, class of 1961, and went on to graduate from the College of Our Lady of the Elms in 1965 and received her Master’s degree from Worcester State College in 1968.
Her love of teaching brought her to the Worcester Public Schools, where she taught for 35 years at Lake View School. Active in her professional associations, she was a member of the National Education Association, Massachusetts Teachers Association and Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts.
Her passion in retirement was music, and she cherished her years as a member of the local chapter of the musical group, Lowrey Life. She volunteered as an organ instructor with Falcetti Music.
She was also President of L.I.F.E in the Heart of MA. She enjoyed figure skating in her early years and knitting later on in life. Kathy’s love was her extended family and being a special person in each of their lives.
She is survived by a brother-in-law, James J. Hurley Sr. of Shrewsbury; a cousin, Catherine Sullivan Nelson Allen and her husband Peter of Rehoboth; two nieces Annemarie Hurley and Colleen M. Hurley Gardner and her husband Scott, both of Shrewsbury; a nephew, James J. Hurley Jr. and his wife Patricia of Holden; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Anne Turnan Hurley.
Family and friends will honor and remember Kathy’s life by gathering for calling hours Thursday, Aug. 25, from 9-10:30 a.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
The family would like to thank her teaching colleagues and music group for the years of support, love, and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Kathy with a donation to College of Our Lady of the Elms, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA 01013 or St. Mary’s Church Building Fund, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
