Kathleen M. "Kathie" (Smith) Swales, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She was 76 years of age.
Kathie was born in Boston on December 2, 1948, a daughter of the late Thomas Smith and Irene (Hughes) Smith. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated and graduated from Charlestown High School. Kathie held several jobs in her youth, however, she was most proud of being one of the first female letter carriers in New England. Her career was put on hold so she could lovingly raise her children, of whom she was immensely proud. She loved seeing their school performances, and never missed a single one. She loved that her children devoted their time working at the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club. Kathie later went back to work as a Paraprofessional at Charlestown High School for 15 years, retiring in 2014.
Kathie is the beloved wife of the late Edward Swales. She is the devoted mother of Jennifer (Swales) Dooher, Dr. Colin Swales and his wife Heather, Brandon Swales and his wife Katie, and Kathleen I. Swales. She is the loving Nana of Graham, Poppy, Hunter, Bowden, Lara, Jack, Ryan, and Evan. She is the dear sister of Irene Mahan, Thomas Smith, William Smith, Claire Smith, Dorothea Jacobs, Kevin Smith, and the late Brian Smith, Maureen Kane, and Robert Smith. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Kathie's Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 A.M. in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown. Her burial will be private. There are no funeral home visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Kathie's name to:
Charlestown Boys and Girls Club
15 Green St
Charlestown, MA 02129