Kate Whalen

Mary Katherine (Kate) Whalen, RN age 76 of Warwick, Rhode Island died peacefully at home on August 22, 2012. Ms. Whalen was born in Ossining, New York. She was the daughter of the late Thomas C. and Gertrude (Baker) Whalen. She was predeceased by her sister, Harriet (Whalen) Duffy. Ms. Whalen was a graduate of the Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing. She started her nursing career in New York and moved to Rhode Island in 1963. She worked as a registered nurse in the ER at Rhode Island Hospital and later transferred to Kent Hospital where she ended a long and fulfilling career as the Director of Emergency Services. After retiring from from Kent Hospital, she volunteered her nursing skills and time for a variety of non-profit, community based, medical projects throughout Rhode Island. Kate was a tireless volunteer for the J. Arthur Trudeau Center, in Warwick, as well as serving in numerous capacities for both the Oakland Beach Home Association, J.O.H.A.H. and at St. Rita's Church. Kate is survived by her nieces, Elizabeth Duffy-Ferland (Bill) of Coventry, Dianne Duffy (Stuart Roberts) of Warwick, her two nephews, Rod Pasqual of Warwick and John Duffy (Rita) of Attleboro, Massachusetts; her great niece, Courtney E. Ferland and her great nephew, Justin A. Ferland, and great niece Julia Duffy. Kate gave herself tirelessly to her friends and family. She strongly believed that family came first and those values were reflected in the compassion and understanding she shared with others. Her family will remember her warmly as their "other" mother and grandmother, and she will be greatly missed. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 8:30 am from The Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home 142 Centerville Rd., Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Rita Church 722 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, please remember Kate with a donation to the J. Arthur Trudeau Center 3445 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 or to the Saint Rita's food pantry 722 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick RI 02889. For online expressions of sympathy, visit www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com