Kathleen M. Schifino, age 57, longtime resident of Middleboro, passed away September 28, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after courageously fighting cancer for the past three and a half years. Born in Brockton, she was the daughter of Joan (MacDonald) Simones and her husband John of Middleboro. Kathleen graduated from Mary Immaculate High School in 1977 and later went to work at Talbots in Lakeville for 19 years, where she built many close and special friendships. She delighted in visiting with all of them, and was always there to lend a helping hand, celebrate happy times, and be her friends' rock when they needed her. Visiting her grandsons also brought her extreme joy. Even when she became ill, she barely missed a family trip or celebration. Kathleen was a very talented artist, and loved to draw. One of her favorite activities was having a relaxing night with her brother and his wife in their homemade backyard beach. Kathleen was generous, never putting anyone before herself. She found happiness knowing everyone else was happy. She enjoyed R&B music, often singing along to her daughter Michaela's favorite songs in the car with her. Kathleen had a love for the color purple, and was happy to be born in February for this, as well as sharing her birthday with her mother. She almost never missed one of Zachary's baseball games, and was always the loudest fan at the field. She enjoyed going to the movies quite often with her daughter Michaela, as well as her parents and Zachary.
Kathleen was an avid football fan, always routing for her favorite team The New England Patriots, or her second favorite, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kathleen was feisty, knew what she wanted to do and accomplish, and she did it. She was trustworthy and everyone in her life could depend on her to be there at any time. She had a sensitive spirit, and an amazing sense of humor. Kathleen's contagious smile and loving hugs will be missed. She was a remarkable grandmother, aunt, cousin, daughter, granddaughter, and an incredible mother who will forever live in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In addition to her parents, Kathleen is also survived by her children Paul Schifino and Michaela Altieri of Middleboro, four grandsons Zachary, Dominic, Christian and Kameron. She was the longtime companion of Michael Altieri of Middleboro and sister of Michael Stewart and his wife Monique. She is also survived by four nephews Michael and Ryan Stewart and Mark and Matthew McLeod. She was the daughter of the late William E. Stewart and sister of her late infant brother James.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Monday 4-8pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home Tuesday at 8am for a funeral Mass in Christ the King Parish at 9am. Burial in Melrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.