Kathleen Ruth Hardigan

Kathleen "Kathy" Ruth Hardigan, age 52, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on June 24, 1969, the beloved daughter of Jay A. Hardigan and Joan E. Bayer-Smith. She was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where she was an avid athlete on both the soccer and softball teams. She was instrumental in the choir and theatre groups at Walpole High School performing in many plays, chorus numbers and was a beautiful soloist. Kathleen graduated in 1987, going on to higher education where she completed many different classes in various fields.

Kathleen was an avid traveler, going cross country with her sister, friends and even solo to seek out many opportunities, including joining the military, wanting to give back to her country. She was a beach lover and was never found without a pair of flip flops in her possession, an avid swimmer, the ocean was her sanctuary. She lived life to the fullest and took advantage of every opportunity that came her way. She had a magnetic and gentle soul, enjoying making the people around her feel loved and important; never forgetting a birthday, graduation or any other important event.

Kathleen’s passion was for the arts, song writing, piano playing and theatre. She spent many summers at Walpole Footlighters, usually being placed in a lead role, especially when it came to singing. Her voice was like an angel and she captured every audience with her radiant voice and acting. She eventually went on to be an integral part of Footlighters; sponsor, president, director and actor. Some of her best acting was also done at Mass Arts Center, Mansfield MA, in many poignant roles, once again capturing audiences. She was very involved in charities that assisted children being able to attend theatre camps. She believed every child deserved a chance to be part of something that was so near and dear to her heart.

Kathleen’s best and true love was her family and friends, she loved them with all her heart and soul, never to be found without a kind word, looking forward to spending time with them. Just being with all of them brought her joy. Every person in Kathleen’s life knew how much she loved them; she will forever be with us, her love and passion for life will never be forgotten.

Kathleen is survived by many devoted family members, aunts, uncles, and friends;

Beloved fiancé of Shawn P. Kunelius of Walpole.

Devoted daughter of Joan E. Bayer-Smith of Sebago, Maine and the late Jay A. Hardigan of Westwood and Walpole Ma.

Loving sister of Greg J. Hardigan of South Aurora, Colorado,

Jodi M. Inman and spouse Timothy Inman of Limington, Maine,

Daniel J. Hardigan and spouse Diana Hardigan of Nanuet, New York,

Mark C. Hardigan of Lewiston, Maine, and the late Jayson Hardigan.

Cherished aunt of Ethan James Hardigan, Liam Jacob Inman, and Jaymeson Joseph Hardigan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kathy's Life Celebration on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 9:30 AM, prior to Kathleen's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place privately in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathy's name may be made to: Mass Arts Center, P.O. Box 1283, Mansfield, MA 02048.