Kathleen Josephine Piecuch, age 93, died peacefully and surrounded by her children on January 1, 2024 in Hyannis, MA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter John Piecuch, and survived by her three children and eight grandchildren: Patricia Semple (Bruce) of Brewster, MA, and grandchildren Timothy Semple, Megan Milsal (Basil), Ben Semple (Bethanie); Sean Piecuch (Ann) of Mobile, AL, and grandchildren Michael Piecuch (Kari), Caitlin Best (Pat), Thomas Piecuch (Elyse); and Rebecca Guryansky (Ed), of Charlottesville, VA, and grandchildren Katie Gouger (William), and Heather Guryansky.

Kathleen was born in Heathfield, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, County Roscommon, Ireland. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Michael and Delia Waldron, as well as siblings Maureen Donnellan (Martin), Jim Waldron (Rita, Jane), Miko Waldron (Eithne), Vincent Waldron (Brenda), Vera Dwyer (Mike), Paddy Waldron (Mary), and Thomas Waldron. She is survived by her sister Rita Gately (Tom) as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She walked seven miles a day to-and-from school, her childhood chores included feeding the chickens and planting the potatoes and caring for younger siblings, and she loved wandering her father’s fields in Knockalegan.

Kathleen received her RSCN (Registered Sick Children’s Nurse) from the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital in 1952 and her SRN (State Registered Nurse) from St. Mary’s Hospital in London in 1954. While at St. Mary’s, she danced with Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered penicillin, and socialized with Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. In 1954 she came to America aboard the Britannia and worked for a brief time at the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital before joining the staff of the New England Medical Center. That’s where she met the dashing Navy officer Peter Piecuch, and in 1956 they wed at the Newport Officer’s Club in Rhode Island.

After several years they settled in Bethesda, MD, where she had a long career as a nurse at Suburban Hospital. She attended St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church and enjoyed her travels and adventures with husband Pete. She cheated at Scrabble, never passed on dessert, loved any excuse to put on a costume, was famous for her “wine face” (a grimace and a shiver at the initial sip), and at age 75 could still fit into the capri pants she wore on her honeymoon.

In her late eighties she relocated to Brewster, MA, near her daughter. In 2022 she moved one mile up the road into an independent living facility and spent her days enjoying meals served in a lovely dining hall, the happy hours and musical performances, her raised garden bed on the patio, the community of Catholics who gathered for video masses on Sundays, and the Saturday bingo games.

She loved her family and children, and she adored her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They will all miss their Bousha terribly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA 02631.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or cards or charitable donations, are welcomed. May we suggest Catholic Charities, Meals on Wheels, or Operation Smile.