Shrewsbury – Kathleen M. Rivard departed this life on Aug. 2, 2021 in her home at Southgate in Shrewsbury. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Daniel R. Rivard, who passed away in October 2020.
She leaves behind her two sons, Timothy Rivard and his wife Joanne and James Rivard and his wife Paula, and six cherished grandchildren, Holly and her husband Timothy Lessard, Brittany and her husband Isaiah Goss, James and his girlfriend Kimberly, Emily, Julia, and Benjamin Rivard. Kathleen was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Thomas and Jack Kelley, and her sister, Joan Julian.
Kathleen was born in Worcester to John and Catherine (Monahan) Kelley and lived in the city most of her life. Kathleen graduated from Clark University and earned a master’s degree graduating summa cum laude from Anna Maria College.
She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and worked for many years in the Renal Dialysis Unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center. She collected money for the Bishops Fund and organized a drop-in program for seniors, among other activities. She was also an early organizer of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.
Kathleen grew up in a close Irish family and had frequent family members visiting her home as her mother was from a very large family. Because of this she valued family more than anything and was there for them throughout her life.
Kathleen and Dan loved to travel and visited many countries. Regions visited were in Western and Eastern Europe, Mediterranean, Middle East as well as Australia and New Zealand. They also enjoyed music, dancing, and Holy Cross basketball. She was also a cast member in the annual shows performed at Southgate.
They cherished time spent with friends, particularly with the Worcester Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In addition, their summer home at Hampton Beach, N.H. served as a pleasant getaway for family and friends. Family and friends will miss Kathleen’s selflessness and generosity.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m., in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Interment will be private at St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. In keeping the Covid-19 guidelines all attendees are kindly asked to wear face coverings if they have not been vaccinated and practice social distancing while at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donation in Kathleen’s honor may be made to your favorite charity, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Why Me and Sherry’s House of Worcester, or CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of North Central Massachusetts.
To view Kathleen’s online tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.chiampafuneralhome.com.
Details of a Celebration of Life for both Dan and Kathleen will be announced by the family once the pandemic restrictions have been loosened. Please continue to watch our website for updated information.
