Kathleen E (Harris) Qualey

In loving memory of Kathleen Esther (Harris) Qualey, 95, of Weymouth.
Kathleen Esther (Harris) Qualey of Weymouth, aged 95, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Quincy in 1927 to Frank G. And Lilla O. Harris, Kathleen graduated from Braintree High School in 1945 and married James R. Qualey in 1950.  She moved to Weymouth in 1953 where she lived for 70 years.

Kathleen enjoyed learning other languages and studied Spanish at the Berlitz School in Boston and at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy.  She taught Spanish at Thayer Academy and was a substitute teacher at Weymouth High School.  Kathleen retired from Family Service Associates of Greater Boston where she worked for nearly twenty years as an administrative assistant and intake secretary.  Following her retirement, she worked part-time for the Lend A Hand Society of Boston.

Kathleen’s interests included music (especially Willie Nelson and Flaco Jimenez),  travel, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, birdwatching, and participating in trivia nights with her team (Taco Cat).  She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong learner.  She returned to playing the mandolin (her childhood instrument) at age 80 and enjoyed performing for and playing with friends and family.  Kathleen also maintained a magnificent flower garden for many years at her Weymouth home.  
Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, her husband James R. Qualey, her brother Frank G. Harris, Jr., and her sister Arlene P. Slavin.  She is survived by her children: Christine F. Qualey (Ernest Flippo) of Abington; James R. Qualey, III (Debra) of Rindge, NH; and Lucia E. Qualey (Philip Smith) of Braintree.  Also survived by her grandchildren Lilla Frazier (Trevor Frankel) and Christian Frazier (Amy Hinz); her sister-in-law Jean Harris of Cotuit; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will take place at Peck Funeral homes, 516 Washington Street, Braintree on Friday, March 10 from 4-8.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree at 10:30 on Saturday, March 11.  Interment will be at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Dr. Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923 or 120 Thomas St. Worcester, MA 01608

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