Katherine D. (Welch) O'Halloran

Katherine Whelan O'Halloran, Social Justice Advocate, Teacher Kay Whelan O'Halloran, a devoted advocate for the poor and the homeless, died peacefully, on April 14, at age 94. Kay was a cherished mentor, dedicated teacher and deeply loved community volunteer in the Boston area for more than 50 years. Committed to serving homeless individuals and the impoverished with dignity and respect, she was a constant presence at Pine Street Inn, the largest provider of homeless services in the region.

Kay was a committed teacher, beloved by students, parents and colleagues. She excelled at school, attending Girls Latin School and Mount Holyoke College (class of 1950). Her first job was teaching elementary students in Newton, MA. After raising a family, she earned a master's degree in Religious Education from Emmanuel College. She eventually became the head of the department of Religion at Marian High School in Framingham, MA, where she taught for nearly two decades.

Kay's passion for service was core to her being. She was one of the initial organizers of the volunteer food program at Pine Street Inn in the 1970s. When she heard there was a need, Kay recruited volunteers from her parish in Ashland and involved students from Marian High School, expanding the Inn's ability to provide guests with not just shelter but also food. The volunteers made sandwiches that Kay would collect and bring to the Inn weekly. Over the years, Kay's role at Pine Street Inn grew. She joined the Board of Directors in1984 and four years later, was elected the first female board chair, shepherding the nonprofit through an immense period of growth.

Kay was most proud of hiring and mentoring the current Executive Director and President Lyndia Downie. In 2016, Downie spoke at an event dedicating the Volunteer Room at Pine Street Inn in Kay's honor. Downie said, "students from Marian High School were still coming regularly to serve dinner" and called Kay, "a fearless pioneer who left a lasting mark on Pine Street Inn".

Kay found her spiritual home at Saint Cecilia Parish in Boston. The Parish's mission of service and inclusivity matched Kay's keen commitment to social justice. A beloved member of the community, Kay served on the Parish Council, and sang in the church choir. She was involved in an outreach group that worked to improve living conditions for children in Haiti. Even into her eighties, Kay continued to raise money for orphans in Haiti and made several trips there. Kay was a dedicated Mount Holyoke alumna, returning regularly for class reunions.

She loved the Red Sox, closely followed the news and the stock market, enjoyed music and walking. She was sharp, engaged and loved games- refusing to lose to anyone, even her grandchildren! More than anything, Kay loved her family. Each year she gathered everyone together for two weeks of laughter and fun every summer in Falmouth, MA.

She leaves behind four children, John Whelan, Catherine Kligler, Christopher Whelan and Elizabeth Whelan; five step-children; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves three beloved sisters, Jane Cronin, Mary Eaton and Sara Haynes. She was predeceased by her first husband, John Whelan; her second husband, Thomas O'Halloran; and her brother, Norman Welch. A Funeral Mass and a Celebration of Life, will be held at Saint Cecilia Parish, at 18 Belvidere St., Boston, on June 6, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pine Street Inn, https://www.pinestreetinn.org/

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