Kathleen C. Hinkelman

Kathleen C. (Connors) "Kathie" Hinkelman, age 64, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on January 19, 1959, she was the daughter of the late Paul M. and Mary M. (Lynch) Connors.  She was raised in Norfolk, Massachusetts and graduated from King Phillip Regional High School with the Class of 1977.  Following her graduation, Kathie earned her cosmetology license in 1978 and shortly after took a position with Lords and Ladies in West Roxbury, cutting and styling hair.  

Once settled in her home in Plainville, Massachusetts, Kathie transitioned from her hairdressing career to focus on her artistic passions. She began an at home business, crafting wreaths and selling them at various Christmas fairs in the area.

In 1992, Kathie made her home in Marshfield, where she welcomed two daughters, Amanda and Sara, becoming the mother she always wanted to be. Kathie took on the role of homemaker, raising and caring for her family. She loved being involved in her daughters lives and her community. Kathie jumped at any opportunity to spend time with her daughters, family, and friends; from recurring summer trips to Duxbury beach, traveling the US, taking artist workshop classes, and coming together to celebrate any occasion she could. Kathie was always present in the lives of people she cared about. 

As her girls grew up, Kathie applied her gentle ways to overseeing the care for her sister, Terry, whom she shared a special bond with. She and Terry did everything together, as Kathie was her biggest advocate.  Kathie remained by Terry's side for many years, looking forward to Disney trips, bowling, and Special Olympics competitions.  Kathie went on to make her home in Hingham and later Duxbury, however, she never wavered in her love of devotion to her sister. After Terry's passing in 2016, with a wealth of knowledge in the caregiving community, Kathie branched out and began serving other families in her area, ensuring the same level of gentle care was provided to each child she cared for. For the past five years, Kathie has been caregiving for two teenage boys on the South Shore, who she held a very special place in her heart for. Kathie was also working at Two Twenty Two Salon and Spa in Hingham, working as the managing receptionist, forming cherished friendships with her co-workers and clients. 

Throughout her life, Kathie loved being outdoors, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.  At her home in Plainville, Kathie found her passion for gardening, tending to her vegetables and flower beds.  After moving to Marshfield, Kathie ensured her yard was beautifully maintained with plantings throughout.  As she sat back to admire her work, she couldn't help but notice the wildlife that her plantings brought to her yard, especially all the birds that flocked in.  Her love of nature did not end in her yard, as she spent countless hours at Duxbury Beach, combing the sand for sea glass or heart-shaped rocks.  In more recent years, Kathie traveled to Sedona, Arizona, taking in the natural red rock formations and reconnecting with her spirituality with Spirit Quest.  Back at home, Kathie collected various crystals as she had a deep sense for their power of healing.  A close second to her love of natural beauty was Kathie's love for the arts.  She was an avid collector of novelty items, in addition to creating her own expressions over the years.  Music was an incredibly important art form in Kathie's life, and she attended countless concerts to see her favorite artists.

Most of all, Kathie loved spending time with her family and friends.  She was delighted to gather with those she loved to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, making countless memories along the way. To her core, she was a giver and source of light for all. 

Loving mother of Amanda Hinkelman of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Sara Hinkelman of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Cherished sister of Judith Hallett and her husband, Jack, of Sedalia, Colorado, Martha Eaton and her husband, Larry, of Clayton, North Carolina, Maureen Vann and her husband, David, of Clayton, North Carolina, and the late Teresa Connors.

Also survived by former husband, David Hinkelman, many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kathie's Life Celebration on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Jude's Church, 86 Main Street, Norfolk on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Pondville Cemetery in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathie's name may be made to the Special Olympics of MA, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 https://www.specialolympicsma.org/