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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen “Kathy” Ellen Shea Wiswell, who died on June 27, 2025, at the age of 78. Kathy was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Born on July 24, 1946, Kathy grew up in New Castle, NH, daughter of the late Leo “Tunney” Francis and Ellen Robbins Shea.
Kathy attended St. Patrick’s School in Portsmouth, NH and was in the first class to graduate from St. Thomas Aquinas in Dover, NH. She graduated from Salem (MA) Hospital’s Nursing School. Her career as an RN brought her to many locations, including Lawrence, CT Memorial Hospital, Maude H. Trefethen Elementary School in New Castle, Portsmouth Hospital ER, Seabrook Station, and Loganville, GA Elementary as well as several summer camps.
Kathy enjoyed reading and traveling to visit her family and friends around the country but especially in New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Georgia and Texas.
Kathy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, John Wiswell. She is survived by her four daughters, Ret. Col. Jennifer Robison (Scott), Julie Mathews (Glenn), Jeanne Leonard, and Kathleen “Katie” Greene (Robert), her three sisters Lee Maher (Raymond), Karen Thomas (Kelly), and Lorri Shea-Parella as well as several nieces and nephews. Her beloved grandchildren include Shea (David), Lane (Chloe), Atlas, Landon, Madison, Trinity, Tristan, Lynsey, Mackenzie, Marissa, John David “JD” and Willa.
A private celebration of Kathy’s life will be held in New Castle this summer. Donations may be made in Kathy’s name Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909 c/o Pet Peace of Mind (www.columbushospice.com/pet-peace-of-mind) or Camp Cowboy, 2700 Sikes Dr., Kempner, TX 76539 (www.campcowboy.org). Express condolences at www.GeorgiaCremation.com/obituary.
Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tricia Hinton says
We are so sorry for your profound loss, Katie.
God bless you and all the family in the days ahead.
Harry and Tricia Hinton
Pam Quirk says
Katie,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have lots of wonderful memories. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers
Ellen Emerton Hayes says
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy ‘s passing. We took baton lessons together. I was a classmate from St. Pat’s and St. THOMAS. MY condolences to all the family.
Sister Bernadette Crowley says
Dear Katie, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your wonderful mother. There are so many wonderful memories of her visits to New Jersey with your dad and you. Know Of my prayers and support for you and your family at this difficult time
Judy Gallant says
To Kathy’s family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. She was a great lady, and my dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy Lemos says
I have fond memories of Kathy growing up in New Castle when I was young. I very often was at Shaw circle because I was am still am best friends with her sister Lee. We all went to Saint Thomas. Sending prayers to the family. May God bless you all.🙏
Peggy jones says
So sorry for the loss of your sister She was a great friend in nursing school and for many years after. Love to all of her family
Pete Hukki says
Katie so sorry to her about your mother. She was a Great Lady and a Great Aunt. I can imagine her and John watching over the family.