Catherine F. (Rafferty) O’Leary

Mrs. Catherine F. (Rafferty) O’Leary, of Waltham, died Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Maristhill Nursing Home in Waltham. She was 78.

Catherine was born in South Boston on February 17, 1947, a daughter of the late George Sr. and Rose (Papia) Rafferty. She grew up and was educated in South Boston before moving to Waltham, where she worked for many years at The Waltham Watch Factory.

Catherine married the love of her life, Edward J. O’Leary on September 1, 1974, at Saint Charles Church in Waltham, and they shared more than 45 years together until his death in 2020. In the summer she and Ed loved throwing cookouts at their home. She loved music, especially Elvis, and attending the concerts on the common. In her younger years she loved heading out to dinner on Moody Street and going dancing with friends. Catherine was never without “her stories”, the soap operas she followed faithfully, and she always enjoyed a good game of bingo. She liked baking and cooking, and making Christmas feel magical for the kids. Caring and compassionate, her smile lit up the room.

Catherine is reunited in heaven with her husband, Edward J. O’Leary.

She leaves her children, Joseph E. O’Leary (Michelle) of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Lisa M. Braima (Johnny) of Waltham; her grandchildren, Nicholas O’Leary, Brendan Braima, Logan O’Leary, and Matthew O’Leary; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward J. O’Leary.

Family and friends will honor and remember Catherine’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, December 29th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.