Kathleen Josephine Piecuch
Jan 1st, 2024
Kathleen Josephine Piecuch, age 93, died peacefully and surrounded by her children on January 1, 2024 in Hyannis, MA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter John Piecuch, and survived by her three children and eight grandchildren: Patricia Semple (Bruce) of Brewster, MA, and grandchildren Timothy Semple, Megan Milsal (Basil), Ben Semple (Bethanie); Sean Piecuch (Ann) of Mobile, AL, and grandchildren Michael Piecuch (Kari), Caitlin Best (Pat), Thomas Piecuch (Elyse); and Rebecca Guryansky (Ed), of Charlottesville, VA, and grandchildren Katie Gouger (William), and Heather Guryansky.
Kathleen was born in Heathfield, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, County Roscommon, Ireland. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Michael and Delia Waldron, as well as siblings Maureen Donnellan (Martin), Jim Waldron (Rita, Jane), Miko Waldron (Eithne), Vincent Waldron (Brenda), Vera Dwyer (Mike), Paddy Waldron (Mary), and Thomas Waldron. She is survived by her sister Rita Gately (Tom) as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She walked seven miles a day to-and-from school, her childhood chores included feeding the chickens and planting the potatoes and caring for younger siblings, and she loved wandering her father’s fields in Knockalegan.
Kathleen received her RSCN (Registered Sick Children’s Nurse) from the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital in 1952 and her SRN (State Registered Nurse) from St. Mary’s Hospital in London in 1954. While at St. Mary’s, she danced with Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered penicillin, and socialized with Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. In 1954 she came to America aboard the Britannia and worked for a brief time at the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital before joining the staff of the New England Medical Center. That’s where she met the dashing Navy officer Peter Piecuch, and in 1956 they wed at the Newport Officer’s Club in Rhode Island.
After several years they settled in Bethesda, MD, where she had a long career as a nurse at Suburban Hospital. She attended St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church and enjoyed her travels and adventures with husband Pete. She cheated at Scrabble, never passed on dessert, loved any excuse to put on a costume, was famous for her “wine face” (a grimace and a shiver at the initial sip), and at age 75 could still fit into the capri pants she wore on her honeymoon.
In her late eighties she relocated to Brewster, MA, near her daughter. In 2022 she moved one mile up the road into an independent living facility and spent her days enjoying meals served in a lovely dining hall, the happy hours and musical performances, her raised garden bed on the patio, the community of Catholics who gathered for video masses on Sundays, and the Saturday bingo games.
She loved her family and children, and she adored her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They will all miss their Bousha terribly.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA 02631.
All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or cards or charitable donations, are welcomed. May we suggest Catholic Charities, Meals on Wheels, or Operation Smile.
Guest Book
R.I.P Aunty Kathleen. Fond memories of meeting you on visits to England over the years with Uncle Peter. Condolences to all the family at this sad time.
You are now amongst our heavenly family auntie Kathleen. Joined with mum (Vera) and the rest of your family gone before ye. We loved your visits down to Sligo with Pete. So many fond memories of your times spent with mum and us. May your gentle soul rest in heavenly peace. Della, Seamus and Evan. X
Kathleen was a special lady. So glad to have known her. Enjoyed her Bright and charming conversations.
After reading this beautiful tribute to your Mom, Pat, I can say with certainty that she sounds like a deeply loved family member who drank in life at every opportunity. My sadness for your loss is very real.
Condolences from the extended Vizzard Families (Dublin & Mountain upper Roscommon, where Kathleen spent many of her childhood years and later took onions with her sister Rita from her cousin Gerald’s garden ! ) Noel Vizzard and family
Nancy D’Arcy(nee Vizard) Kathleen’s godchild.May she rest in peace.
Kathy gave the world a beautiful light that will shine on Kathy gave the world a beautiful light that will continue to shine in our hearts! She was a very very special lady!
Kathleen was my neighbor on Tracy Lane in Brewster. Despite my roots being England and hers Irish, we enjoyed lots of chatting and plenty of laughter. She was a great neighbor and friend.
We send our love and comfort to all the family. We were privileged to know “Mrs. Piecuch” as friends of Bruce and Pat since we were teenagers. We will always remember her energetic and spirited personality. She was one of a kind: a remarkable person.
In loving memory of my dearest sister Kathleen. Thinking of you all as you celebrate her life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. All my love forever. Aunty Rita
Kathleen was my neighbor on Tracy Lane in Brewster. Despite my roots being England and hers Irish, we enjoyed lots of chatting and plenty of laughter. She was a great neighbor and friend.