Cathleen A. Nally
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Published in The Boston Globe on August 5, 2022
NALLY, Cathleen A. (Hurley) Age 62, formerly of Westwood, MA, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022.
Born on January 4, 1960, in Holyoke, MA, she is the beloved daughter of Carol (Daly) Hurley and the late Edwin H. Hurley, Jr. She attended Taconic High School in Pittsfield, MA, before graduating from Green Mountain College in 1980 with a degree in Retail Management. Her love of fashion only grew during her 40 years in the clothing industry.
Cathy found her soulmate, John J. Nally, in 1981 and married him a year later, spending 20 magical years together until his sudden passing. They devoted their lives to raising their two children, Danny and Betsy, and she had the joy earlier this year of welcoming her first granddaughter, Riley Cathleen McKenna.
After her ALS diagnosis, Cathy met with politicians across the country to advocate for greater funding of ALS research so that others would not face a similar fate. Her determination and courage was rewarded in December 2021 when the national ACT for ALS was signed into law. Two weeks later, hundreds of friends continue to raise awareness for ALS in the first annual Rally 4 Nally.
While known for her curly blonde hair and ever present smile, Cathy is best remembered for her zest for life, quick wit, inner strength, and warmth that made every person feel like her best friend. She loved finding ways to bring people together, whether it be through her iconic clothing sample sales, perfecting her skills on the golf course, or hosting friends and family for a home cooked feast (alongside a few cocktails). Nothing brought her greater joy than being with those she loved most.
Cathy was predeceased by her husband, John Nally; and her father, Edwin Hurley, Jr. She is survived by her son, Danny Nally; her daughter, Betsy (Nally) McKenna; her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Riley; her mother, Carol Hurley; her brother, Ed Hurley, and his wife, Sue; and her brother-in-law, Jim Nally, and his wife, Tina. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom she adored.
In lieu of flowers, and in appreciation of the incredible care she received, Cathy requested that contributions in her name be made to Compassionate Care ALS (ccals.org). The family will continue to partner with this remarkable organization to ensure that Cathy’s impact on ALS lives on.
Visiting Hours: Family and friends are kindly invited to attend Visitation on Wednesday, August 10, from 2-8pm at Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., WESTWOOD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning, August 11, at 10am in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood. Burial at New Westwood Cemetery. To view Cathy’s Funeral Mass via live stream, go to www.saintmmparish.org
FUNERAL HOME
Holden, Dunn & Lawler Funeral Home
55 High Rock St
Westwood, MA
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Aug, 10 2022
2:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Holden, Dunn and Lawler Funeral Home
