Kathryn A. Walsh of Manchester, 87, passed peacefully Thursday December 17, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Everett, MA, she was the youngest of the nine children of the late Robert T. and Mary A Howard. Kay enjoyed 43 years of marriage with the love of her life, the late Thomas F. Walsh. Kay was a graduate of Boston's St. Elizabeth's Nursing School, class of 1943, and obtained post graduate certification in Obstetrics. She began her nursing career at St. Elizabeth's as supervisor of the Obstetrics Ward. She married in 1948. After residing briefly in Concord New Hampshire, the couple made Connecticut their home, settling in Manchester in 1953. As a Registered Nurse, Kay was employed at Crestfield Manor, Manchester Memorial Hospital, and the Meadow's Convalescent Center. Truly enjoying friendships made throughout her career, she retired in 1987. At the heart of her life were her husband and children: daughters Mary M. of Manchester and Kathryn W Smith of Coventry; sons Thomas F Jr. (predeceased) and Sally of Barton VT, Kevin A of Manchester, Robert T and Kathleen Sweeney of Naugatuck, and Richard J of Southington. Grandma is also survived by her numerous loving and caring grandchildren and great grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Margaret and her husband Fred Barker of Golden Colorado, and many nieces and nephews. Beyond family, Kay had many interests. She was a member of the Ladies of St. James and Ladies of Columbus. She enjoyed a variety of handicrafts, travelling, taking recreational classes, sharing a cup of tea with a friend and being the last swimmer out of the water. Kathryn resided at Glastonbury Health Care Center. Her family would like to express their gratitude to each of the many individuals whose kindness and caring made immeasurable contributions to her comfort and quality of life throughout her long and difficult illness. A woman of great faith, Kathryn will be celebrating Christmas in heaven with family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 22 at 10:45 from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St., Manchester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester with burial to follow at St. James Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy Association or St. Jude's Hospital- or the charity of their choice.