Kathleen A. (McGarahan) Dunfey, age 85, of Tewksbury, MA passed away peacefully on January 4, 2022. She was the beloved husband of 60 years to John (Jack) W. Dunfey.
Kay was born in Lowell, MA on October 21, 1936. She was the cherished daughter of the late Katherine (Heslin) and James McGarahan. Kay was raised in Lowell and was a graduate of Keith Hall. She married Jack in June of 1961 and they settled in East Longmeadow MA where they raised their two sons. Kay worked in the East Longmeadow school district for several years as a special education assistant.
The family moved to Lakeville, MA in 1981 before settling in Tewksbury 23 years ago to be closer to family. Kay was a sweet, kind, and compassionate woman who loved to tell a story. She was always thinking of others and made lifelong friends wherever she was.
Kay loved to travel with Jack, and they had the opportunity to visit many places. Her favorite trip was to Ireland where she was able to meet relatives and see her father’s birthplace in County Leitrim. Kay was a very talented seamstress. She also enjoyed quilting and knitting. Her Christmas fudge was always a fan favorite.
In addition to her husband, Kay is survived by her devoted son, James Dunfey and his wife, Jean, of Wilmington. She leaves behind three grandsons whom she adored, Kevin Dunfey and his fiancé, Libby Pettit of Haverhill, Patrick and Brian Dunfey of Wilmington. Kay was the dear sister of Maureen Barter of Lowell and Francis (Frank) McGarahan and his wife Sophie of Elmhurst, IL. She was the special “Auntie Kay” to several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Kay was predeceased by her son, John W. Dunfey, Jr, her brother-in-law, Clinton Barter and sister-in-law, Janet Noll.
In lieu of flowers Kay would love for you to do something kind for someone else to brighten their day. If you wish to make a donation, please consider the American Brain Tumor Association in memory of her son, John.
On Monday, January 10, 2022 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury 978-851-2061. Her funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery.
For those who can not attend, her funeral service will be streamed live at 11 a.m. at: Live Service Link Viewing will be available live or after the service is completed.