Kathleen Ann Raftery of Holliston, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026 (a fitting day for a most patriotic woman!) Kathi was born on May 9, 1942, in Quincy, Massachusetts, to Edith (Sullivan) and John Raftery. She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth Dorman.
Kathi is survived by her adoring brother John and his wife, Janice, of Walpole. She also leaves many wonderful cousins, especially Sheila Dubrawski, who lovingly tended to Kathi’s every want and need!
Kathi graduated from Monsignor Patterson Grammar School in South Boston and attended Cardinal Cushing School before graduating from Milton High School. She worked for Massachusetts Governor Chub Peabody before working for Massachusetts House Speakers Jack Davoren, Bob Quinn, Dave Bartley, and Tom McGee. She then went to work in Washington as a trusted top aide to the late Congressman Brian Donnelly. Upon Brian’s retirement from the U.S. House, she became the Assistant Sergeant of Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives. She was the first woman to hold this position and the first woman to carry the mace into the House Chamber. For the Bill Clinton-Al Gore inauguration, she escorted the soon-to-be sworn-in Al Gore. Kathi loved spending time at her camp on Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg, ME. She was a great friend to many and, in turn, had great lifelong friends from her days at the State House in Boston, ski pals from Killington, VT, and friends and colleagues from Washington, DC.
After leaving Washington, she moved to Barnstable, where she loved to spend as much time as possible with her husband in their backyard pool. She was a wonderful hostess to many friends and relatives. Kathi & Ken moved to Holliston in 2020, where they found a wonderful community at Brooksmont.
Interment will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com Donations in Kathi’s name may be made to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter, P. O. Box 548, Medway, MA 02053.
