Kathleen B. Hegarty, of Brighton, died peacefully on January 28, 2012, at the age of 81. Beloved daughter of the late Martin and Mary Hegarty. Dear sister of Theresa Quinn of Scituate and the late Mary Malany. Devoted aunt of: Deborah LeClair of Scituate, Moira Malany of Castle Rock, CO., Moira Berberian of Mt. Pleasant, SC., Christopher Malany of Middleton, CT., Gregory Malany of Wayland, Thomas Quinn of Scituate, Robert Quinn of Hanover. Also survived by nine loving grandnieces and grandnephews.

A graduate of St. Columbkille's High School, Kay held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College and Master of Library Science from Simmons College, School of Library Science. During her 46 year career with the Boston Public Library, she served as Coordinator of Adult Services, Staff Officer for Programs and Public Relations, and Staff Officer for Special Programs and Services. With the aid of federal funding, she established the Access Center for People with Disabilities at the Library. Her other notable accomplishments included the establishment of library services to nursing homes and shut-ins and the organization of thirteen Black organizations into the Negro History Committee of Greater Boston, which oversaw the presentation of programs and exhibits celebrating Black culture throughout the metropolitan area. The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) awarded her the 2012 Exceptional Service Award, which recognizes professional leadership, in addition to pioneering programs for un-served library patrons. She was active in the affairs of the American Library Assoc., having served as Secretary of ASCLA, one of ALA divisions. She also co-founded the Brighton-Allston Historical Society.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Feb.1, 2012 at 10 am in St. Anthony's Church, Cohasset. Visiting hours on Tues., Jan.31, 2012 from 4-8 pm at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer St. (across from St. Anthony's Church), Cohasset, MA.

---