announcements and events

Kathleen Ann Linnane (79), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. 

Born on September 21, 1946, in Belmont, Massachusetts, Kathy was the cherished daughter of Eleanor and Anthony Bella. In October 1966, she married the love of her life, Bill Linnane. Together they shared 60 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, friendship, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her sons Erik, Peter, and Christopher; her daughters-in-law Samantha and Jaclynn; her treasured granddaughters Adeline, Clementine, and Marigold; and her siblings John, Christine, Antoinette, Andrew, and Anthony. She also leaves behind many dear friends, former students, colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by her kindness and generosity.

Kathy was an exceptional and caring educator, serving as Assistant Director of the Infant and Toddler Center in Acton, MA for several decades. There she touched the lives of generations of children, families, and teachers. Her passion was also to teach those who teach by serving as a professor of Early Childhood Education at the Lesley University Graduate School of Education. She retired at the age of seventy-eight. 

Kathy enjoyed being with her husband, family events, multiple book clubs, her knitting group, Friends of the Boxborough Library, art, gardening, and most of all, time with her granddaughters, who were the light of her life. 

On Friday, July 17, a wake will be held at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA, visiting hours from 4:00-7:00pm, followed by a 10AM Mass on Saturday, July 18 at the Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord, MA. The burial will be at South Cemetery, 420 Burroughs Road, Boxborough, MA. Family and friends are welcome to all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.