KATHLEEN M. CONLON

     Kathleen M. Conlon, 56, of Worcester, died Sunday May 8, 2016 after a long uphill struggle with complications from a stroke.

Born in Providence, R.I., she was the daughter of Doris and the late Raymond P. Conlon.

Kathleen graduated from St. Peter-Marian High School and the David Hale Fanning School earning a degree as a surgical technologist.

Kathy volunteered diligently organizing and raising funds in her younger years for Abby’s House, a home for abused women and children, in addition to working at City Hospital and UMass Medical Center for several years as a surgical tech before she relocated to several different towns in Florida, finally settling down in Delray Beach. Her much loved profession in which she excelled at had her working at Delray Beach Trauma Center for 22 years creating a second family of techs, nurses and doctors.

Her passion for cooking benefited the many people she worked with, baking cakes for birthdays and turkey dinners that she would bring in for all the staff working the major holidays. She would carry that passion back to Knollwood Nursing Center where she spent the last few years of her life, participating in and preparing a spaghetti and meatball dinner for the residents and staff with the small proceeds going to The Neads Service Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans. It was at Knollwood where she discovered her latent talent for painting and was showcased multiple times in their lobby.

Kathy was an avid reader and Pats fan with a contagious laugh and a big heart. She will be missed by all who came to know and love her.

She is survived by her loving mom Doris, her brother James Conlon of Lowell, her sisters Maura Conlon and her spouse Lucy of Boylston, Monica DiMarzio and her spouse Al Jr. of West Boylston, Kerri Conlon Bourgeois of Pawleys Island, S.C. and Eileen Laconi and her spouse David of Falmouth, Me., and a niece, Diane Conlon of Attleboro in addition to many aunts, uncles and cousins, and friends from near and far including her dearest friend Beth Porcaro Grady whose endless support and friendship sustained her through many years.

The family wishes to also extend their heartfelt thanks to ALL the staff at Knollwood for their constant care and compassion for not only Kathy but the whole family. To all of you, Administration, Billing, Front Desk, Nursing, PT, OT Activities, Dietary and all the countless CNA’s, especially April who Kathy came to form a special bond with, a huge thank you.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, May 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 12, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Sterling Animal Shelter 17 Laurelwood Rd. Sterling, MA, 01564 or the Knollwood Center Activities Fund, 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606.