September 19, 1931 – July 5, 2024
Kathleen M. Rennie (Kay), beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 5, 2024; she was 92 years old. Born in Malden, MA, and raised nearby in Medford, Kay was the daughter of first-generation immigrants Hugh and Beatrice (Doherty) Bannigan. She graduated from Malden Catholic High School before attending the Chandler School for Women in Boston.
Kay enjoyed sharing the story where by chance, she met the love of her life. Prior to attending The Midnight dance at Hampton Beach Ballroom with her girlfriends, she had her fortune told. It was then she “learned” she would meet a handsome young man in a grey suit at the dance, they would marry within two years and together have four children – all which came true.
In 1954, Kay married Paul F Rennie and began their 63-year marriage together. Following Paul’s work, the couple started their family in Reading, MA moved to Peterborough, NH and then North Dartmouth, MA where they resided for 34 years. During this time, Kay focused her earlier years on raising her children then as they grew and became more independent, Kathleen earned her real estate broker’s license. This soon became a passion for Kathleen who was proud to not just sell houses but to assist families with relocating and “help people find their homes”. In 2013, Kay and Paul relocated to Northborough, MA. They would remain here until Paul’s own passing in 2017.
In 2019, Kay relocated a final time back to Peterborough, residing at Scott-Farrar. She found much enjoyment being back in Peterborough with old friends. Kay soon immersed herself in the numerous daily activities held at Scott- Farrar keeping quite active. She had a love of celebrating holidays, being with family and especially proudly sharing her Irish heritage on St Patrick’s Day. She enjoyed reading and will be remembered by family and friends alike for her warm, caring, and bubbly personality.
Kay also felt very blessed with her extraordinarily close relationship with her loving sister Peggy. She and Peggy essentially raised their 8 sons and daughters together instilling a strong sense of family between all the cousins that continues to this day and on to the next generations.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul and her loving son, David Rennie of Doylestown, PA. Among those surviving Kay are three loving children, Joanne R. Angell and husband David of Keene, NH, Paul J. Rennie and wife Tracy of McKinney, TX, and Karen M. Mitchell and husband Scott of Northborough, MA. She also leaves her six grandchildren, Andrew Mitchell of New York, NY, Collin Mitchell of Northborough, Hugh Rennie of Philadelphia, PA, Karalyn Rennie of Boston, MA, Heather Shanahan and her husband Augie of Sacramento, CA, Siera Avirett of Corinth, TX; two great-grandchildren, Zadie and Xander Shannahan; one sister, Margaret “Peggy” Smith of Wilmington, MA and a daughter-in-law, Helen Rennie (widow of David) of Doylestown, PA. She also leaves her large extended family of nieces and nephews and the many friends and the wonderful and caring staff at Scott-Farrar.
Calling hours will be held from 5-7pm on Thursday, July 11th, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Friday, July 12th, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
In lieu of flowers, Kathleen’s family humbly request your consideration of a memorial donation in her name to the Jennie Scott Legacy Fund, c/o Scott-Farrar at Peterborough -Attn: Jennie Scott Legacy Fund Donations, 11 Elm Street, Peterborough, NH 03458 (scott-fararr.com).
To leave a condolence please visit Kathleen’s Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
