Catherine G. “Kay” (Halligan) Cassidy, age 78, of Brockton, passed away unexpectedly at her home January 18, 2012. She was the wife of the late John J. Cassidy, Jr. Born and raised in Allston, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Virginia S. (Doucette) Halligan. Kay was a graduate of the St. Columbkille High School class of 1950, where she was co-captain of the girls’ basketball team, and attended the New England Conservatory School of Music. She started playing the piano at the age of four, the organ by the age of 12, and her musical career spanned her lifetime. In her youth Kay played organ in St. Anthony’s Church in Allston, and later was a featured vocalist with the Boston College Glee Club, where she met her husband. She lent her talents to many groups over the years such as the Braintree American Legion shows and Paul Pitman shows in Hyde Park.
After moving to Brockton in 1961, Kay became the Director of the Sacred Heart Church Boys Choir, and was active with such groups as the St. Colman’s Players, the City of Brockton’s Potpourri Shows, and Ireland’s Own. She also accompanied Guy Rotondo locally and Irish Tenor Lou Brown, at Boston Symphony Hall. She was the Music Director and pianist at Cardinal Spellman High School for almost 25 years, retiring in 1998. After her retirement, Kay volunteered at St. Joseph Manor, playing at their monthly birthday parties and Sunday Mass services. She was the church organist at the former Sacred Heart Church and currently at St. Patrick Church. She was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church and Christ the King Parish. Kay was a breast cancer survivor and enjoyed bowling, bingo, travel and crossword puzzles. She was also an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed Cardinal Spellman Girls’ Basketball and Boston College sports. Kay’s first love was her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. Her second love was music, and she shared this love and her considerable talents with countless thousands over her lifetime.
She is survived by her children: John J. Cassidy, III and his wife Lois of Anderson, SC, Charles F. and his wife Catherine of Torrance, CA, David G. and his wife Mary of Danville, VT, Steven M. and his wife Joan of Shrewsbury, and Suzanne M. Neuman and her husband William of East Walpole. She was “Nana” to eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren and “Auntie Cally” to many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of James Halligan of Durham, CT, Priscilla Hughes of Brockton, William Halligan of Vernon, CT and the late Virginia MacLean of Linthicum Heights, MD and the sister-in-law Ruthann Cassidy of Brockton.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Monday 3-7pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Parish, 42 Wendell Avenue, Brockton, Tuesday at 10am. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. Donations in Kay’s name may be made to the Cardinal Spellman High School Music and Drama Program, 738 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02302.