Franco, Kathleen C.Sheehan

Kathleen Cooley Franco, of Salem, passed away at home on Thursday, March 3, 2022, with her beloved family by her side. She was 74 years old. Born on May 13, 1947 in Windsor, CT, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Antionette (Contois) Sheehan. Kathy completed her education by earning her Registered Nurse Diploma and spent a long and successful career as a caregiver. She was the school nurse at the Salem Elementary School several years ago and then went on to work for the former Southeast Connecticut Hospice, now known as the Center for Hospice Care. She touched countless lives with her compassionate caregiving and she will be remembered fondly for her kind words and warm smile. Kathy loved going to the beach, outings at Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream, a heavy pour of a good red wine and playing with her granddogs, Lucy, Maggie and Rosie; but her greatest joy was found when spending time with her grandchildren. Her loss will be felt by many including her children, Jennifer and her husband David Fleisher of Cherry Hill, NJ, Beth and her husband Philip Crosby of Dorchester, MA; three grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, and Robby Fleisher; a sister, Eileen and her husband Donny Willet of NH; a brother-in-law, Jim Gagne of MA and his wife Christine; two nephews, Kevin and Jeff Gagne; and numerous extended family members and friends. She will be missed by her partner, with whom she made her home, Norman Rabe of Salem, CT who was a loving companion over the last several years. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her former spouses including George H. Cooley, Jr. and a sister, Maureen Gagne. A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Tuesday, March 8th at 12 PM at Water's Edge Resort in Westbrook, CT. The family requests that no flowers be sent but instead, donations in her memory be made to Center for Hospice Care of Southeast CT www. HartfordHealthcareAtHome.org/donate The AuroraMcCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome. com