HUDSON
Katherine C. (Carroll) Vivolo, 74, of Hudson passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home. Born in Oakland, CA she was the daughter of the late David M. and Katherine (App) Carroll, she lived and worked in Hudson most of her life.
She leaves her loving husband of 40 years, Bernard J. Vivolo; her daughter, Katie Vivolo Staines and her husband, Benjamin Staines of Hudson; three brothers, Paul Carroll and his wife, Judy of Weymouth, Shawn Carroll of Abington, Dennis Carroll and his wife, Patty of Quincy; one sister, Mary Condon and her husband, Brian of Pembroke; a sister-in-law, Winifred Carroll of Quincy; her grandchild, Avery; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a brother, David Carroll and a sister, Nancy Carroll.
Kathy had a tireless love for learning and was a lifelong educator. Her passion for education led her to Boston College and Boston University where she achieved her BA and MA degrees. Kathy taught in Stamford CT, Weymouth, MA, and Walpole, MA and then in Hudson, where she taught at Forest Avenue Elementary School for 31 years.
During a career as an educator that spanned more than four decades, she also became a National Board Certified Teacher and spent years serving as the President of the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers. After retiring from the Hudson School system, she worked as an instructional consultant for Class Measures, supporting teachers applying for their final educational license. In support of her own quest for learning, she was member of Harvard Institute of Learning in Retirement for over ten years. At HILR she found a new meaning to life after retirement; leading courses in Carl Jung, sharpening her skills as a poet, and meeting some of her closest friends.
Kathy leaves her jovial spirit and endless kindness to live on with her many friends and family members who will miss her dearly. Her zest for life and how she embraced meaning in everything was energizing; you couldn’t spend a moment with her and not feel inspired to be a little happier, show a little more gratitude, put a skip in your step, and take a moment to appreciate the gift of life.
Kathy’s soul was an endless vessel full of light and love for all those she cared about. She greeted you as if you were the most important person to walk through her door, and she had a way of making each person feel welcome, accepted, and truly special. She was always putting the needs of others first, often going above and beyond to help. One of Kathy’s biggest joys was her new role as a grandmother. She cherished every moment she was able to spend with Avery.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, March 30 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. in the Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson. A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held on Friday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be held privately at a later date. The family would like to thank the team at Metrowest Cancer Center and Metrowest Hospice Care for their love and exceptional support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Metrowest Cancer Center at 99 Lincoln Street, Framingham MA 01702.