Kathleen A Moriarty

WORCESTER – Kathleen A. (Bell) Moriarty, 77, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She leaves her husband of 51 years, John F. Moriarty; seven children, Christopher Moriarty and his wife, Jillian, of Worcester; Scott Moriarty and his wife, Bree, of Worcester; Jana Moriarty of Worcester; Amanda Pepin and her husband, Tony, of Auburn; Ana Sharry and her husband, Andy, of Paxton; Joshua Moriarty and his wife, Stacey, of Worcester; and Laura Latour and her husband, Joshua, of Webster; a brother, Jack Bell and his wife, Barbara, of Worcester; and thirteen grandchildren: Emma, Caleigh, Madeline, Nicholas, Sophia, Elizabeth, Jack, Abigail, Emily, James, John, Jake, and Amy Kate. She was predeceased by her sons, Brian and Matthew. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of William L. and Eleanor M. (Leetin) Bell.

Kate was truly a force to be reckoned with. Throughout her life she worked a variety of jobs, but the role she cherished most was being a mother to her children and later a proud grandmother. She often joked that she’d wished she had had her grandchildren first. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. She had an infectious laugh, loved to celebrate life, and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a good party. Kate was beautiful, and when you coupled her good looks with her quick wit, generous heart, and larger-than-life personality, she could (and often did) light up any room she entered.

Kate had a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. She had more friends than we could name, including The Dolls, her Salt Air Village friends, Club, her Family Friday Fun Night crew and Veronica Cook, who became “Auntie Ronnie” to her children. She had a special bond with her younger brother, Jack, and together they made any gathering more fun.

Kate and Jackie Mo gave new meaning to the phrase “opposites attract.” They were deeply in love, and that love only grew stronger over time. Setbacks throughout life strengthened their bond. Their marriage became a blueprint for the rest of the family to follow. Kate ran the household and cared for all of us when we were young, holding everything together with love and strength. In her later years, Jack lived out his vows in every sense of “in sickness and in health,” caring for her with unwavering devotion and grace.

Through incredible devotion and love, Jack and our brother Josh allowed our mom to remain at home and pass on her own terms—in the home she built, in her own bed, surrounded by family.

Visiting hours are Monday, July 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main St., Worcester. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Peter’s Food Pantry.