Kathryn Elizabeth Woodside

Kathryn Elizabeth “Kay” Woodside (Overlan) passed away March 15, 2021 of natural causes at the age of 84, in Danvers, MA, surrounded by family in her final days. Born November 8, 1936, she was the daughter of Peter and Josephine Overlan and the beloved wife of the late Robert Woodside. She grew up in East Boston, lived in Connecticut and California, and settled her family in North Reading, MA, most recently living in Middleton and Danvers, MA.

While raising her family, Kay volunteered at her daughters’ schools and for Easter Seals, the Pine Street Inn, and other organizations she supported. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker who was very skilled at decorating, cooking, and hosting family gatherings. She enjoyed reading, lunch dates with sisters and girlfriends, the theater, music, and visiting her favorite place in the world - Ogunquit, Maine. Kay devoted herself to her greatest joy, her family. She excelled as a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt and gave her love unconditionally.

Those lucky enough to have felt her love first-hand include her beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Carl Lipani, Carolyn and the late Frank “Sonny” Rao, and Joanne and Dino Vitiello. She leaves behind her daughters and sons-in-law, Robyn and Phil King of Ipswich, MA, Cheryl and Gran Roe of Melbourne, FL, Kim and Joel Kantola of Cape Neddick, ME, and Jennifer and Tom Niewiera of Stratham, NH. Known to them as “Grammy,” she is also survived by her adored grandchildren Philip King and partner Hannah Edwards, Sam King and wife Brittany, Kayla Kantola and wife Kathleen, Emma Kantola and partner Sam Kefferstan, Annie Roe and partner Justin Sherrod, Mollie Roe, Tommy and Drew Niewiera, and incoming great-grandson Beckham Robert (whose presence brought her so much joy at the end of her life). She will be missed as well by sister-in-law Judy Moroney and husband Jack Colbert, and many nieces and nephews. It is a comfort to know she has been reunited with her soulmate Bob, her brother Peter Overlan, her parents, and friends.

Kay passed down a beautiful tradition of deep friendship among family, one we now all benefit from in this time of mourning. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, friendship, open-mindedness, empathy, loyalty, silliness, and a well-stocked candy stash. To her grandchildren, to know Grammy was to be loved for exactly who you are.

Grammy, you are so deeply loved, and we are all flattened by grief. We hope you are dancing the tango with Papa, and sneaking cannoli’s off the heavenly dessert table into your purse to bring home for the grandkids. You showered us in endless love, and from that we all bloomed. We will all do our very best to pass that love forward through each generation, and in that way, you are truly always with us. Thank you so much for loving us. We love you more.  

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in her name can be made to her favorite charity, The Make A Wish Foundation, 133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110, wish.org; or a Memorial Gift to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, caredimensions.org.

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