It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Catherine A. (O’Melia) McPeck, of Bridgewater. Catherine was known as “Kathy” to all of her loving family and friends.
Kathy sadly passed away at the young age of 71 on February 18, 2021 after bravely fighting early onset Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of her life. At the time of her passing, Kathy was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Kathy was born on July 17, 1949 in Boston, MA to the late William and Virginia (Lanigan) O’Melia of Bridgewater, MA.
Kathy is survived by her caring husband, Frederick (Fred) McPeck, of Bridgewater and her two devoted sons, Brian McPeck and his wife, Karin, of New York, NY and Matthew McPeck and his wife, Alison, of El Segundo, CA. Kathy also leaves behind her three beautiful grandchildren, Juliet, Grant, and Loulou who all grew to know Kathy as “Nanny.” Kathy will be deeply missed by her sisters, Jean Crabbe (and her husband, Claude) of Marshfield and Janet Barton (and her husband, John) of Hailey, Idaho. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Robert O’Melia of Taos, NM. Kathy will be forever remembered by her cherished nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and cousins.
Kathy met her husband, Fred, while he was working at a small drug store near their homes in Braintree. They became high school sweethearts and shared many happy times with Fred’s brother Ray, and his wife, Peggy (Shaughnessy) also of Braintree during those early days. Kathy and Fred were later married and together raised their two sons, Brian and Matthew, at their warm and welcoming home in West Bridgewater. When the boys became older, Kathy worked for a high school student summer program located at Bridgewater State University and spread her humor and dedication across campus.
Kathy was the original “super host.” She lovingly created a beautiful home for her family, friends, and visitors, alike. Plainly put, Kathy had style right down to the silver bangles that
jingled on her wrist when she was whipping up a batch of her famous Cowboy cookies or mint brownies. Her garden was the envy of many, her cooking left you feeling full and happy, her baking…unrivaled. The dining table was always transformed into a tiny dreamscape around the holidays, a reminder of the special care and attention Kathy showed to whoever walked in her front door. Everything that Kathy did was fueled by her love of others, especially her family. She instilled these values in her sons who will, in turn, share Kathy’s life and love with her grandchildren. Kathy was a dedicated mother, first and foremost, and for the time that she had, was the best Nanny in the whole world. She was also a fierce friend to many, a dutiful sister, a spectacular aunt, a loving wife, and a special human being. Practically perfect in every way.
The simplest pleasures in life brought Kathy the greatest joy. She loved a quiet evening on her back deck overlooking her garden with family and friends, a glass of wine in hand. Kathy will be dearly missed and remain forever in our hearts. Her family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Wingate at Silver Lake (Kingston) for their unwavering love and support of Kathy during the last years of her life.
Visiting hours at the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Bridgewater, will be held on Thursday, February 25 from 5 to 7pm. Kathy’s funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 26 at 11:30am at The Church of Saint Ann in West Bridgewater, 103 N Main St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379. Burial will immediately follow at the Bourne National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor Kathy’s life can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“To love a person is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten.”
Those who loved Kathy always remembered her love when Kathy could remember no longer.
