Catherine "Kay" McKenna

Heaven gained another angel, and it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine “Kay” McKenna (Beagan), age 84, formerly of Framingham, MA. She passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024 at her home in Franklin, MA, surrounded by her loving family. Up until her passing, Kay maintained her kindness, grace and compassion and her love for family, friends and her deep catholic faith.
Born February 24, 1940, Kay was one of six children of James “Jim” and Rose Beagan. Jim and Rose both came from the county of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. They eventually settled in Boston where Rose worked as a house cleaner and Jim owned a grocery store and served as chief cook in the rectory of the Mission Church. Kay grew up with her family in the City of Everett.

Always knowing she wanted to be a nurse, Kay attended Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing and then earned her bachelor’s of nursing from Boston College. She later attended Anna Maria College at night to earn her master’s in nursing education. Kay loved being a nurse and worked in the profession for 40 years. Most of her career was spent at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, MA providing patient care. She finished her career as a nursing professor mentoring the next generation of nurses.

In 1962, Kay met William “Bill” McKenna and the two were married two years later marking the beginning of a shared life filled with love and devotion that lasted nearly 60 years.
Together, they raised seven remarkable children: Marie, Peggy, Karen, Sandy, Donna, Bill and Kathy, who were Kay's pride and joy. In this family, there was no shortage of love, kindness, compassion, playful pranks, and humor abounded.

A woman of great faith, Kay was a devout, lifelong catholic who drew great strength and peace from her church and her devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Kay is preceded in death by her brothers Jimmy, Charlie and Tommy. She is survived by her loving husband Bill, her children Marie O’Brien and her husband Gene; Peggy Fournier and her husband Bob; Karen Lane and her husband Michael; Sandy Middleton and her husband Shawn; Donna O’Sullivan and her husband Kieran; Bill McKenna and his wife Sarah; and Kathy Driscoll and her husband Todd; sisters Rosemary Beagan and Noreen McNally; and 15 adoring grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, from 4-7pm at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin,(www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
The funeral mass will take place the following day, Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 130 South Street, Wrentham, MA 02093.

Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Best Buddies at bestbuddies.org or 132 Adams Street, Newton, MA 02458