Catherine P. Flaherty

Flaherty, Catherine P. (Sheehan) of Braintree, died May 7, 2016.

Catherine was devoted to her children, grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, her neighbors, colleagues and friends. Catherine had a unique way of fostering individual relationships with so many people. She loved to travel throughout Europe with many of her friends and visit with relatives in Ireland. Kay loved her long rides up and down the East Coast, never quite knowing where she would end up. Life was full of journeys, never lost, just unknown.

Kay studied at Bridgewater State College as a mother of 5 young children. She began teaching second grade in Avon and went on to earn her Masters’ degree in Special Education at Boston State College. Kay was a special education teacher at Pingree Elementary School and Bicknell Junior High, eventually becoming a Guidance Counselor at Bicknell and South Junior High in Weymouth, and retired as a School Administrator. She had an amazing commitment to advocating for developmentally disabled children and adults, serving on many boards throughout the South Shore. Catherine in her drive became an inspiration to many. She had an uncanny way of mentoring and connecting with people of all ages, students and coworkers alike. She will be dearly missed.

Wife of the late Robert W. Flaherty. Devoted mother of Margaret Flaherty of Weymouth, Patricia McMahon of Braintree, Kathryn White and her husband John of Weymouth, Brian Flaherty of Braintree, and the late Kevin Flaherty. Cherished Mamie of Michelle, Meghan, Sean and Bridget. Loving sister of John F. Sheehan of South Weymouth and the late Frederick J. Sheehan and cousin of the late Jack Sheehan of North Weymouth.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9 AM on Friday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Clare’s Church, Braintree at 10 AM.

Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Catherine may be made to The Friendship Home, P.O. Box 916, Norwell, MA 02061.