Kathleen Therese Peck

Kathleen Therese Peck of Brockton passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2026, at the age of 77. She was predeceased by her father Louis Katona and her mother Therese (Williams) Katona, as well as her best and lifelong friend Joyce Phaneuf, who was like a sister to her, and like a second daughter to Therese.

Born and raised in Brockton, Kathleen graduated from Brockton High School and Notre Dame of Maryland University. She later earned a Masters degree in social work from Boston College and spent the next thirty-five years working at Brockton High School, where she inspired generations of students.

Kathleen was an only child and shared an extra special bond with her mother. Since they lived only a few miles apart, they always got together whenever possible. They especially enjoyed dining out at local restaurants, spending endless summer afternoons around the backyard pool, and heading over to Nantasket Beach. And having Joyce by their side made every event extra special.

Kathy and her mother loved to send one another carefully picked out greeting cards, no matter what the holiday or occasion, and often for no occasion at all except to express their love for one another. Kathy treasured these cards; she considered them priceless, and lovingly held onto every single one.

As the years passed and her mother became unable to live alone, Kathy took an early retirement, moved back home, and set up round the clock care so that her mother could spend her final years in her own home. Kathy adopted a beautiful chocolate lab rescue dog named Dinah who lovingly returned their affection and made their little family complete.

After the passing of her mother, Kathleen found joy in the simple things in life. She loved being out in nature and going for walks with Dinah, catching up on all of her favorite movies and TV shows, and heading to the South Shore Plaza to shop. Kathy also loved to spoil her precious little Siamese cats, Papi and Maggie May, lovingly referring to them as her little babies.

Kathy enjoyed visiting the Chapel of Our Savior Shrine at Westgate Mall for quiet moments of prayer and reflection. With the middle name Therese she had a special devotion to The Little Flower, St Theresa of Lisieux, calling on her for help and comfort in difficult times.

Over the years Kathy developed a number of daunting health issues which she faced with incredible courage and resilience. She threw herself into learning as much as possible about her conditions and formed extremely close friendships with many of her doctors. Kathy felt blessed to have the love and support of William Buckley, her devoted partner and long-term caregiver. Together as a team, they felt they could overcome all of her medical challenges and enjoy a happy and peaceful life at one another’s side.

She was also lovingly supported by her cousin Steve Brown and his wife Melanie of East Bridgewater, Thomas Phaneuf of East Bridgewater, Walter Hillard of Brockton, Fran Long of Easton, Adelaide Corvelle of North Reading, Phil Pavadore of Canton, and Kelly Johnston of Plymouth.

Kathy never lost her love of music or of dancing, and whenever an old favorite would come on the radio, she would close her eyes and gently sway her shoulders back and forth as if back on a dance floor and free from her medical issues and limitations.

All who knew her are deeply saddened at the loss of their treasured friend. With her loving smile and twinkling eyes, Kathleen will be deeply missed.

As we remember Kathy, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her friends and family, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Words that Kathy herself so cherished remain a comfort to all those who grieve her loss:

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.

The angel said my place was ready in Heaven far above,

And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think that we are far apart,

For every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

Kathy is resting peacefully, and her ashes will be laid to rest in a private burial in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to APCSM Brockton, 1300 W Elm St Ext, Brockton, MA 02301.