Kathleen R. Richardson

JEFFERSON – Kathleen R. (Cote) Richardson, 74, beloved wife of Joel W. Richardson, passed away peacefully at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Lucy (Ushinski) Cote.

Kathy was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School. She went on to further her education at the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing where she received her nursing degree and worked as a pediatric ICU nurse at UMass Memorial Medical Center for over 30 years. While her work was oftentimes emotionally demanding, her compassion and strength guided her through the most difficult days.

She moved to Holden in 1974 where her favorite place was Eagle Lake. She spent a lot of time there with her children when they were young and with all her many golden retrievers. Outside of work, Kathy found her greatest joy in caring for her own family and beloved dogs. Balancing her demanding career with motherhood, she poured the same dedication and gentleness into her home-life as she did her patients. In her spare time, she loved art, painting, music and was always up to seeing any movie in the theater. Kathy always found pleasure in watching and listening to Joel play his guitar.

Her family was her heart, and her presence brought comfort and calm to all who knew her.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her husband of 51 years, Joel; two daughters, Alyssa and her husband, Adam and Jessalyn along with her cherished granddaughter, Malia “lili”; and Kathy’s sister and best friend, Debbie of Worcester.

“You may say I’m a dreamer….” John Lennon

Kathy’s family would like to thank the staff at JHC Hospice and Oriol Health Care for their kind and compassionate care.

In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, there are no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Friends of Eagle Lake”. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com