Kerry E. Mcquade

HOLDEN - Kerry E. McQuade, 42, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving parents on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from complications of Type 1 Diabetes, a disease that she lived with for 36 years.

Kerry leaves her father, Brian M. McQuade and her mother, Karen (Smyth) McQuade of Holden MA, and Naples, FL. She also leaves her favorite aunt, Maureen Brosnan lovingly referred to as "My Moe" of Ocala, FL whom she loved dearly. She also leaves many other relatives and friends. Additionally, Kerry leaves Val James, of Worcester, MA who was Kerry’s “second mother" and her daughter, Joanna James Moschos of Ridgefield, CT whom she loved like a sister. Kerry also leaves the Baldino family (Marianne, Fran, and Dave) and the Rotundo family (Missy and Brian). She loved them dearly as her second family with whom she shared many happy times.

Kerry was born in Worcester, MA on November 6, 1981. She grew up in the Tatnuck area of Worcester. She graduated from Worcester State University with Honors. She attended Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY where she served as a Graduate Assistant in the Psychology Department. Additionally, she completed course work to become a certified Colon Hydro Therapist in California while living in Carlsbad as well as becoming certified in Integrative Nutrition as a nutritional coach.

Kerry's life was cut way too short but she lived life with love for all. She had a talent for truly listening to others and making them feel seen and heard. She made friends everywhere she went. She always validated a person's worth regardless of who they were. When she entered a room, she lit it up with her beautiful smile, beautiful blue eyes, and magnetic personality. Love was her religion. Her favorite quote from Mother Teresa was "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

Kerry called herself a "trailblazer” because she was always ahead of whatever was popular be it spinning, teaching kickboxing before it was a "thing", cycling in CA, boxing in NYC. She was a "color outside of the lines" gal. She never followed the crowd or what was popular.

Kerry was privileged to be cared for by Dr. Michael Thompson of UMASS Memorial Medical Center as well as by Dr. David Kleiman of Beth Israel/Lahey Medical Center. The McQuade family is indebted for the exceptional care they provided Kerry during her long, debilitating health battle.

For everyone who knew and loved Kerry, our lives will forever be diminished. She will be missed always and forever. May her memory be a blessing.

The McQuade family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kerry’s name to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. 30 Ennis Rd., PO Box 356, Oxford, MA 01537.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 1st from 12:00 - 2:00 PM with a memorial service to follow at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit her tribute wall.