WOLFEBORO ---- Kathleen Veronica ‘Kathy’ Kelleher, 82, of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, left this world peacefully on the afternoon of October 1, 2025, after a short time in hospice care, in the place she loved most—her home—with her family by her side and the soft sounds of birds and woodland creatures she adored outside her window. It was exactly the kind of passing she wished for.
Born on November 27, 1942, in New Britain, Connecticut, Kathy was the daughter of Lawrence J. and Leona M. (Sladeck) Kelleher. Raised on Stanly Street, she grew up in a home built on family, love, and hard work—foundations that shaped her for life. She spent many years in New Britain while building a long and loyal career with Cigna Health in Hartford. Before retiring, she welcomed her mother into her home and became her caretaker.
After retiring, Kathy began the next chapter of her life in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where she found peace, independence, and community. Her days were full: tutoring children at a local school, tending her garden until it overflowed with vegetables she happily shared, playing golf, cheering with fierce pride for the Yankees and UCONN women’s basketball, and keeping family traditions alive—especially her homemade strudel, shared lovingly with family near and far.
Kathy lived with remarkable devotion—to her animals and to the rhythms of a simple, meaningful life. She poured her heart into her Irish Wolfhounds, raising, breeding, and showing her award-winning dogs with pride and joy. They were not just pets; they were her greatest passion and filled her life with purpose and companionship.
Kathy is survived by her brother Lawrence F. Kelleher (Sheila); niece Karen E. and nephew Christopher L.; sisters-in-law Karen B. Hunter and Mary M. Kelleher; nephew Dennis M.; nieces Cheryl L. and Marilee; and great-nieces Madison C., Alexandera M., and Kelsey M. She was preceded in death by her brother Robert W. Kelleher, her sister Patricia H. Kelleher, dear friends Betty and Phillipa, and the many pets who shared her life—including Bonnie, Bronze, and Kendrick—all now reunited with her.
In her final year, Kathy was surrounded by love and care from her family. Her niece, Cheryl, and great-niece, Maddy, devoted themselves to her—traveling back and forth to Wolfeboro and eventually bringing her home for hospice, to care for her day and night, so she could spend her last days exactly where she wanted. Cheryl and Maddy extend heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate hospice nurses from Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, and to Kathy’s Wolfeboro friends—especially caregiver Judy Rogers and neighbors Barbara and Chuck Laverick—who helped ensure that Kathy was never alone.
Fulfilling her final wish, Cheryl and Maddy brought Kathy home to Connecticut to be beside her parents and extended family at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A private burial was held on October 10, 2025, where she was laid to rest with tenderness, remembrance, and the peace she so deserved.
Kathy will be remembered for her generous spirit, her endearing humor, her fierce loyalty, and the quiet but powerful love she carried for her family, her friends, and her animals. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, devotion, and love—and a family who will miss her more deeply than words can express, yet find comfort in knowing she is at peace with the loved ones who have been waiting for her.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.