Kathleen Ann “Kathy” (Dolan) Newberry
Kathleen (Dolan) Newberry of Milton, age 54, died peacefully at her home on Sunday October 24th after a courageous five year battle with cancer. Daughter of Joseph Dolan and the late Virginia (O’Toole) Dolan, she is survived by her husband Kevin, her sisters Terry Dolan of Dorchester, Martha Cosgrove and her husband Brian of Milton, her brothers Bill Dolan of Marshfield and his wife Jill, Tom Dolan of Westborough and his wife Maura, her brother Joe Dolan of Milton, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her optimism, strength and dignity, especially in the last years of her illness, were an inspiration. Kathy’s family is deeply indebted to her entire care team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, most especially Drs. Suzanne George and Susan Block and Nurse Practitioner Kathy Polson for their superb care, and their kindness.
A graduate of Fontbonne Academy and Regis College, she began a career in event management first at Conventures, Inc., then Bayside Exposition Center, and for the past 10 years as Director of Conferences and Events at Northeastern University.
Kathy will be remembered for her sense of humor, her style and grace, and most importantly her steadfast devotion to her family and her legion of friends. A loving daughter, wife, sister and friend, she was treasured by all who knew her. She touched many lives and she will be missed.
A Funeral Service will be held at Grace Church of Dover, 21 Centre St, Dover on Friday, Oct. 29 at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave. MILTON, Thursday 2-4 and 6-9PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.
Donations in Kathy’s memory may be sent to Sarcoma Research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute c/o Development Office, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445. In lieu of flowers please call a friend you’ve lost touch with, offer a smile and a few kind words to a stranger, forgive someone, and be kind.
Guestbook Entries
What a charming, loving, special woman Kathy was. I join the scores of people who will miss her but will always be thankful to have had her in my life.
Dear Kevin,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Kathy was my supervisor when I served as GM at the Henderson House Conference Center for Northeastern University. She was one special lady and I will never forget her. Kathy could light up a room just with her smile. She meant so much to me and the Henderson House staff. Words cannot describe how devastated we are to hear of her passing. May God bless you all and your family.
Tom Petrin
Kevin:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dear Kevin and Family,
My heartfelt condolences are being sent to you all. Kathy was such a wonderful lady. I work in the Cashiers Office at NU and she always smiled and made you feel special with her kind words and soft voice.
She could always make me laugh as well. I will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and may God’s love help you through this tough time,
Sincerely, Jan Zecchino
I did not know Kathy but am a friend of Terry’s from her state service. My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Laura
Kevin and family, I just received notice thru the NU email of Kathy’s passing. As you know she was extraordinary and she will be missed by many at NU. I worked with her on a number of initiatives here and it was always a pleasure to see her. I had know idea she was ill and am in shock as I write this. I know she is at peace and she will live on within us. My thoughts are with you at this time.
I want to express my deepest sympathy for you
Kathy was a friend at Regis College and was so
kind and caring
I know Kathy is in a better place
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy at the passing of one of the most warm and caring persons I have ever met. Kathy, in her tenure at Northeastern, kept this community together and thriving. I will remember her smile, her warmth, and sense of presence.
God’s speed, my Angel.
Colleen Fritze
I am deeply saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. What a wonderful woman! She was one of a kind. I worked with Kathy and will always remember her for the ready smile on her face, the always kind word and the feeling she gave you that you were the only person in the room when she was talking to you. I’ll never forget the first time I met her…she greeted me as if I was a long lost friend and I wondered to myself…”do I know this person? why is she so darn friendly?” I soon found out that was her essence. I feel blessed to have known her. My condolences to Kevin and her family.
John McCarthy
Kathy was a very special person. Always willing to offer a kind word, happy smile, helping hand. Even in her toughest days she could light up a room. I will never forget her laugh. I am so happy that I was able to spend time with her this summer in Humarock. That memory and many, many more will stay with me forever. My thoughts are with Kevin and the Dolan family.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Kathy’s death. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her devoted Dad, her loving husband Kevin and her beloved sisters and brothers.
Kathy lived life fully, everyday. She shared her gift of life with us in so many wonderful ways, her joy, her humor, she was selfless and generous, caring and kind.
I pray now that she is at peace and free from pain and worry. I am sure as she entered her Heavenly home she was joyously welcomed by her dear mother and her many Regis friends.
Thank you Kathy for enriching our lives by sharing your gift of life with us. Sister Zita Fleming CSJ (a Regis friend)
My heart is breaking for Kevin, Mr. Dolan, and all members of Kathy’s family. Kathy lived every day as a woman of both substance and sunshine. She personified the cornerstone values of the CSJ teachings – “good neighbor” and “hospitality” – the openness of heart and generosity of spirit to friends and strangers alike. I am blessed to have known Kathy from our days at Regis College and beyond as a magnet of cheer, of smart insight, of the deep meaning of family, of the wonders of friendship — across the miles and uninterrupted by time or circumstance.
Dear Kevin and all the Dolan Family
I could not believe the obit I read in the Globe this AM. I never realize she was sick. I spoke with her last Christmas and she never said anything. This is so Ironic that two of Frank’s best friends died this week. Dan Vigneau (MMTA) and Kathy – one 62 and one 54.
She is in a better place now and free from suffering. She was such a great girl. God bless all of you.
Having been Martha’s college roomate, I have had the privilege of knowing Kathy and the Dolan clan for longer than I care to admit. Kathy was always quick to share her smile, her joy, her warmth, and her generosity of spirit. May we keep her memory alive by striving to do the same ~
With sympathy and love,
annie
My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family and friends. It has been many years since I saw her last, my memories of growing up with her fond ones. We both attended St. Agatha’s and Fontbonne together. I pulled out our yearbook and her quote under her picture seemed timeless. “I see myself in different ways today On the outside looking in And find myself wanting nothing But to be with you again.”
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart when I received a call about Kathy. She was a wonderful boss, amazing friend and my mentor, personally and professionally. With everything she had gone through, she did it with such dignity and grace. I am so happy that I got to spend a day at the ocean this summer with her and her sisters, and shared laughs and memories. I will truly miss her but know she is at peace and without pain. My thoughts and prayers go out to her wonderful and devoted family. Suzanne Feeley
This one sentence is the essence of Kathy: “In lieu of flowers please call a friend you’ve lost touch with, offer a smile and a few kind words to a stranger, forgive someone, and be kind.” She was always looking out for others and trying to make the world a kinder and happier place. Sounds trite, but it is true. The world is a better place because Kathy was in it.
There are few people I treasure as much as Kathy. I will be eternally sad she is gone, but eternally grateful I had the privilege to know and love her.
Joe,
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many. Andrew and I send our regards to you and your family.
ruthie
It is with enourmous sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I am able to finally put into words my sentiment. Since I received the call of Kathy’s passing on Sunday, I have been in an emotional cloud. Although we knew the enevitable was nearing, we where able to instantly diminish the reality when Kathy was in our presence. She always overcame any of her pain or suffering to ensure we where well taken care of, that we where able to laugh and smile and able to enjoy the moment to its fullest.
From the moment my professional world at Northeastern collided with Kathy, almost 10 years ago, I was hooked! Grace Kelly had nothing on Kathy. Her poise, dignity and elegance combined with her professionalism and wealth of knowledge in the event planning world instantly had any one in a planning session with her feeling safe and secure knowing she was driving the train!
Well, lucky for me that professional world instantly turned more into a close and enriching friendship rather than mere coworkers, and for this I am eternally blessed.
Everyday, several times a day, I would sit with Kath (or rather Kiki Dee or Chaniqua as I also used to call her) in her office. We would laugh uncontrollably, vent to one another, cry or just sit and enjoy some cheese doodles, pringles, Halloween candy, or a box of cheezits that just happened to be in her desk while we worked out logistics for an event! These times where perfect!
I will forever cherish the time that Maureen, Suzanne and I spent with Kathy and her sisters in Humarock this past summer. As I look back now, it was truly a “Beaches Moment.” I am so greatful we have this time to fondly remember and cherish.
I went back to that Humarock house this past Monday and stood on that very deck that overlooks the beach where we last sat. I picked up a rock that caught my eye from the shore line and held it tight. How apropos a moment as Kathy was a rock to me on so many occasions. Now, whenever I need a rock, I can hold this one tight, remember our time together and know that she is not far away.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin, Martha, Susie Terry, Kathy’s father Joe and her brothers. May the strength of family, friends and the grace of God’s love carry you through the coming days and weeks.
May you rest in everlasting peace my dear friend. I love you and I will miss you. My world will never be the same.
David (Chad)
I remember the first day I met Kathy at NU, and was suprised we had mutual friends. My time working with her was very fulfilling, and i enjoyed not only working with her but sharing our lilves. Both Robin and i will miss her dearly.
Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.
To know her was to love her…
I am one of the lucky ones who got to feel her sunshine and admire her beauty and grace while at NU and affectionately referred to her as Blueberry.
She will ALWAYS be remembered, lovingly and fondly.
My condolensces to your family. Our family had the pleasure of knowing Kathy in her Milton days, and she is one of those special people who, although much time has passed, you just never forget.
Kathy was a great colleague and friend who made the world a better, more fun place to be. If the definition of courage is grace under pressure, then she was—is—the most courageous person I’ve known. Kathy, you will be an inspiration always. Thanks for the laughs and kindness.
John
Kathy was an incredible presence to be around. Her light and kindness radiated and it was contagious, as was her laugh. I was lucky enough to work with Kathy for years at Northeastern where I learned not only about event planning, but about myself. She taught me a lot in those five years and was always my biggest supporter. There was always an open door, a smile on the other side of the phone when I needed something. Her advice was always right, her laugh always helped the tough days. I consider myself lucky to have had her as a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. We’ll miss you much, friend. My deepest condolences to her family, those who loved her and were lucky enough to know such a great spirit and inspiration.
RJM
Dear Newberry and Dolan Families,
I am sorry for your great loss. May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) We are promised the He will soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) With deepest sympathy,
I was so sad to learn of Kathy’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her during the course of 7 years at Northeastern. She was someone who I admired, respected, and considered a friend and mentor. I knew she had been ill in the past, but never the full scope, as she was always so positive and gracious. I wanted to believe that those traits alone would see her through. She was one of the nicest and wisest people I’ve known. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.