Kathleen Ann (McMahon) Backiel

HOLYOKE

Kathleen Ann (McMahon) Backiel, age 72, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center.  She was born in Holyoke, daughter of the late James and Mary Ruth (Cavanaugh) McMahon and was a 1965 graduate of Holyoke High School.  Kathleen received her Associates Degree from Holyoke Community College and worked at Highland Upholstery before retiring to raise her family.  Kathy cherished her family and friends and made each of them feel special in their own way. Her St. Patrick's Day parade parties and pierogi dinners were highlights of the year, and many happy memories were made.  Kathleen is survived by her husband, Douglas B. Backiel; her children, Brian Colty and his partner Kim Choquette of Chicopee, Mary Ruth (Colty) Wresien and her husband William of Holyoke; her grandchildren, Lauryn Kathleen Wresien, Jack Douglas Wresien, Connor Colty, Katelyn Colty, and Paige Choquette; two brothers, Michael McMahon and his wife Joanne of Holyoke and James McMahon and his wife Kathy of Holyoke; a sister, Mary Jo Murphy and her husband George of Holyoke; her beloved aunt, JoAnn Moran and many nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by three nieces, Elizabeth Frances Murphy, Moira Kathleen Murphy and Heather Mary McMahon.  A Funeral Home Service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 1:45 p.m. in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by burial at 3:00 p.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam.  Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Kathy to the Murphy & Callahan Scholarship Fund, care of Holyoke Credit Union, 490 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040.

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