Kathleen M Condon

Kathleen M. (Curley) Condon of Sharon, age 89, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018 with her children by her side. She spent her early years in Waverly, Massachusetts before her family settled in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. As a young teenager, Kay was afflicted with both bulbar and paralytic polio which became a lifelong challenge for her. As a polio survivor, Kay defied all odds conquering the tremendous feat of relearning how to swallow, speak and walk all over again. As Kay continued to heal, her family moved to the Jamaica Plain area of Boston, where Kay graduated from Jamaica Plain High School with the Class of 1948.  She earned a fully paid scholarship, through a national art competition, to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, earning her degree in Design in 1951. Following graduation, Kay quickly found work in the fashion illustration industry.

 

Kay met her husband to be, Francis J. Condon, on a blind date during her college years.  They were married on June 6, 1953 in Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Jamaica Plain and made their home together in Sharon, Massachusetts.  While Kay held the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family, she also put her degree to work as a freelance designer for national organizations such as GE, Honeywell, Eaton Stationary Corporation and local town and church organizations. Projects she worked on included schematic drawings for government contracts, site development plans, corporate presentations and artistic illustrations.   In addition to her artistic talents, she was also a very skilled seamstress and knitter. Not only did she make many of her children’s clothes and holiday outfits over the years, she designed and made her own wedding gown and her daughters’ wedding gowns.   

 

After her children had grown, Kay returned to school, taking art classes at the Rhode Island School of Design.  Her talent was noticed by one of her professors, who invited her to take part in a special program at his studio, where she created beautiful pieces over several years. She also pursued her love for fashion design by applying and being selected for a volunteer position, in Washington, DC, for Smithsonian Institute to research historic dress trends of the 19th century.

 

In addition to her educational adventures, Kay enjoyed taking trips to Bermuda with the love of her life, Francis, and their friends. She delighted in her many trips to California to be with her daughter, and looked forward to family vacations at her summer home in Hull. Back at home, Kay could be found cheering on her favorite Boston Sports Teams and Autumn Sundays were always reserved for her beloved New England Patriots.  As a dynamic host, Kay welcomed the opportunity to entertain large groups of family and friends, personally preparing a phenomenal spread of food spanning the length of the party – from dinner all the way through to those who were up for a full course breakfast. Most of all, Kay loved being surrounded by her family.  She was delighted at the birth of her grandchildren, treasuring every moment with therm.

 

Beloved wife of the late Francis J. Condon.

Loving mother of Jay Condon and his long-time partner, Carolyn, Doug Condon and his wife, Bethany, Kathy Connolly and her husband, Marty, Brenda Condon, Trisha Condon and her husband, Gary MacKenzie, and Sheila Griffin and her husband, Mark.

Cherished grandmother of Thomas, Meaghan, Kaleigh, Daniel, Mary, Catherine, and Emily.

Sister of the late James Curley, Lois McCarthy, Mary Barrett, and Lawrence Curley.

Sister in law of Helen Curley, Paul Condon and Barbara Waters.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kay’s Life Celebration on Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM and Friday, December 28, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon. Flowers are welcome; donations can be made to the charity of your choice.