Obituary of Kathleen M. Cushing

Kathleen M. (Kane) Cushing, 74, of Dudley died Friday, February 9, 2018 at UMass Memorial HealthCare of Worcester after a brief illness. Beloved wife for 52 years of Donald F. Cushing, her college sweetheart. Loving mother of Maura Hackenson and her husband Todd of Charlton, Colleen Towle and her husband Derek of Hingham, Patricia Espinosa and her husband Thomas of Putnam, CT. Devoted sister of Margaret Shivick of Rochdale. Caring sister-in-law of Richard Cushing and his wife Helen of Oakham. She is also survived by nine adoring grandchildren: Reagan, Ryleigh and Rory Hackenson; Margaret, Madeline and Benjamin Towle; Thomas Jr., Bryce and Teagan Espinosa. Kathleen will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former colleagues and students. Born in Worcester, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Gerald K. and the late Jane M. (Bergin) Kane. She graduated from Leicester High School and received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from Worcester State University and her Religious Education Certification from Assumption College. Kathleen dedicated herself to teaching, coaching, religious education mentoring, and raising three strong daughters. She taught in the Leicester School System and later at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley. Kathleen was very active in athletics, both in the school systems and in championing one of the first area girl's soccer programs in the Town of Dudley. She served as Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony of Padua in Dudley and Our Lady of Loreto in Worcester. Kathleen went on to work in the Chancery Building for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester as the Religious Education Coordinator. In addition, she worked for the Office of the Diaconate assisting with the formation program. Kathleen's final position was as Director of Religious Education at Christ the King Parish, Worcester, retiring in 2010. An avid learner, Kathleen enjoyed reading and following current events. Ever active and social, Kathleen took pleasure in playing tennis with friends, walking, visiting the Spencer Abby, and attending countless sporting events. In recent years, Kathleen truly cherished her time with her nine grandchildren. Kathleen always put others first. Her care, love and concern will be missed by all. Lost is the Matriarch of a beautiful family. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, February 16 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Road, Dudley. Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester. Calling hours will be Thursday, February 15 from 4 to 7 PM at Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, 33 Schofield Avenue, Dudley, MA. www.bartelfuneralhome.com .