PAXTON - Mary Katherine (Kate), 65, of Paxton MA passed away peacefully at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester on Thursday, October 9, 2025, after a long battle with chronic illnesses.
Mary Kate was born November 10, 1959, in Leominster, MA. She attended elementary school in Leominster and High School in Worcester, eventually earning her GED.
Kate struggled with many challenges but always fought to overcome them. A traumatic brain injury resulted in her moving into a home in Paxton operated by Advocates that provided residential, medical and a variety of support services to help her live her best quality life.
Kate loved to read, shop, and settle in to watch the criminal shows (like NCIS) that she loved, especially if she watched while sipping a Pepsi. She enjoyed talking to family on the telephone and passionately loved animals.
She leaves her sister Eileen Ganong of Fitchburg, her brother Kevin Ganong and his wife Jammie of Panama City, FL, her Godfather Robert White of Leominster and many cousins. She also leaves many staff at Advocates who were “like family”, particularly Jaclyn Baldwin who went far beyond the call of duty to meet Kate’s needs.
Mary Kate is predeceased by her parents David Ganong and Maureen (Rivers) Ganong of Fitchburg and two sons who passed away in childhood.
The family wishes to thank the Advocates staff who worked with Kate so diligently, with care, compassion and kindness during the latter part of her life. We also want to thank the medical, nursing and pastoral care staff at UMASS Hospital who supported Kate so well through her illness.
A Memorial Service for Mary Katherine will be held at Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:00AM - 12:00PM.
Flowers are welcome or a donation may be made in Mary Kate’s memory to Advocates, 1881 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA 01701.
Arrangements are under the care of Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester.
Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care
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