Kathleen M. (Reiling) Yurof

Kathleen Marie Reiling Yurof, age 72, passed away at home with her family by her side on July 14, 2020 after losing a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.  Kathy was born on October 17,1947 in Chicago, IL to Anne and Thomas Reiling.  Her family moved first to Springfield, MA and later to Dedham, where she attended and graduated from Ursuline Academy.  She went on to obtain her BS in Nursing at Fitchburg State College. 

She married her husband, Thomas Albert Yurof in 1970 and moved to Hyde Park, MA to start a family.  Kathy and Tom eventually settled down in Norwell, Ma and raised five children together.  She was a dedicated mother who strived to give her children a magical childhood, always encouraged adventure, and was supportive through life’s ups and downs.  Kathy especially loved her roll as Gigi to her eight grandchildren, spending a great deal of her retired life with them. 

In her early career, she worked at Brigham and Woman's hospital in the maternity wing.  She later pursed her love of nursing as a visiting nurse, first in Boston and then in Norwell.  She worked for the Norwell VNA for 20 years and was respected and loved by her many patients and coworkers.

Kathy had an extreme fear of heights, but after overcoming breast cancer at the age of 58, she agreed to sky dive with her children and even surprised herself with her own courage.  She loved taking walks in the woods as well as road trips throughout New England, and although her lack of direction would often have her “misplaced,” she would simply redefine it as “a little adventure.”  Every holiday was celebrated to the fullest, but Valentine’s Day was one of her favorites because it did not rely on presents and parties, but rather the simple celebration of love (and candy). 

Kathy is remembered for her unwavering optimism, love of conversation and contagious smile.  She was a friend to many, always willing to listen and offer her perspective, but never one to pass judgement.  She truly believed in the goodness of others and lived out her faith every day. 

Kathy is survived by her husband Tom, daughters Cindy Waller (Kane), Susie D’Entremont (Jay), Mandy Reisman (Matt), and her two sons, Erik Yurof (Kelli) and Joe Lowry as well as her eight adoring grandchildren, Nate, Liam, Jossie, Sammy, Sophia, Ty, Ben and Lucy.   She also leaves a stepmother, Celia Reiling of Vero Beach, FL, and three devoted sisters and their families, Betsy and Bob Hodge of Halifax, MA,  Mary and Steve Cancellare of Pensacola, FL and Eileen and Steve Buttrick of Weymouth, MA.  

Due to the risk of COVID, there will be no services at this time, but the family will host a celebration of Kathy’s life at some point next year.  Donations in her honor to either the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or the Norwell VNA Hospice, who provided superior care in her final days, would be greatly appreciated.

 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Ephesians 4:32

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