Kathleen N Walcott

Kathleen Naomi Walcott passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the age of 93, at her home in Somerville, MA. Kathleen a native of Cambridge, MA was the youngest of nine children. Daughter of the late James Walcott and Keziah Anne (Cummings) Walcott from Barbados
Kathleen earned her B.S. from Northeastern University. While in school, she worked in the welfare department of Boston, helping children and families. After graduating, she became an English teacher at Cambridge High & Latin which later became Cambridge Rindge & Latin. Kathleen was an advisor to the black student union and a co-founder of the Ethnic Foundation, whose mission is to promote the legacy of Black History: Lost and Found. She is also the co-founder the Massachusetts Pre-engineering program and a member of the National Education Association and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Kathleen continued her education earning her M.A. in Education from Suffolk University and a Fellowship at the university of St. Andrew in Scotland. After her graduation she transitioned from a teacher to a guidance counselor, which was one of true passion in life helping people children of all backgrounds to become their best selves. As a guidance counselor she able to be a true advocate especially for the disadvantage guiding these young souls to the true life’s pursuits.
Kathleen, continued to work in many social and community groups initially as a supporter in Black History as a speaker/lecturer and she joined the Cambridge African American Heritage Alliance and partnering with the former Mayor Denise Simmons. This Alliance helped to illuminate the that contributions African American’s had to made in Cambridge, specifically honoring the abolitionists, authors, educators, and public holders. Kathleen along with her neighbors also conducted interviews and traced historical points that help document the significant involvement in Somerville which later became a display at the Somerville Museum in 2000. Kathleen in 2009 participated in an interview with Sarah Boyer for her book, “Common Cause, Uncommon Courage – WWII and the home front in Cambridge, MA.” She spoke about her late brother David Walcott who was a private in the first class, 104th Air Force Base Unit, 477th Bomber Group, 99th Squadron, US Army Air Force.

A few years later in 2016, Kathleen later became published co-authoring, “We are the Port – Stories of Place, Perseverance, and Pride in the Port/Area 4”. Despite her declining health, Kathleen continued to collaborate with community members and organizations serving as a valuable resource on forgotten Black Cantibrigians contributions to the city.
Kathleen was a resident of Somerville for the past 59 years. Along with her sister, she formed a women’s investment group in addition to her own boutique apartment building in Cambridge. She loved to travel and learn about the cultures of those areas. She was an enthusiastic person who often asked the question why no me and thus kicked started into action. She often referred to outcomes being dictated by your personal actions and involvement; and every little bit helps along the way of progress.
Kathleen was a life-long member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, where she served as the church’s historian and was co-chair of the DP Hughes Memorial Fund.
Kathleen Walcott is survived by nephew, Raymond Lovell (Patrica) of Atlanta, GA and his four children: Mark, Michael, Nick and Brittany of Atlanta, GA. Kathleen is also survived by her grand-nephew William T Bethune (Christina) from Washington, DC and his two children: Kennedy and Ariel. Cousin Elsie Hallett. Kathleen is also survived by her special nieces G’tanya Small and Irma Sullivan who were truly a blessing in aiding Kathleen’s needs and comfort in the past years. Also, a special thanks to Charlene Reese and Rachel (Pedro), and Sam Jordan who helped in her care as well. Kathleen is also survived by host of cousins, extended family, and loving friends.

Kathleen’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met because her stories have a life of their own. In the words of her favorite author – “A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it!” - Nikki Giovanni

But people are more likely to remember one of Kathleen’s tried-and-true statements, “This too shall pass” -K. Walcott. which one might interpret that time is always going forward and if you are experiencing difficulty at the moment, it won’t last forever and you need to refocus your perspective and engage on your goals in life. Mistakes and setbacks are a fact in life, it is one’s response to these situations that genuinely count.

Share your stories and memories on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at AJ Spears Funeral Home located, 124 Western Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139. The wake will begin at 10am and the service will begin at 11am with a repass at St. Bartholomew 239 Harvard St. Cambridge, MA 02139 at 1pm.

You may also help her kindness, loyalty, and compassion to continue by making a donation to St. Bartholomew Church and/or The Cambridge Black History Project (www.cambridgeblackhistoryproject.org).

If you would like to send flowers, her favorite florist is Nellie’s wild flowers at 72 Holland St. Somerville, MA 02144 | 617-625-9453| www.nellieswildflowers.com

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