LEICESTER — Katherine Louise Eastwood, 73, of Leicester, died June 29, 2021. She was born Feb. 22, 1948, in Manchester, Conn., the daughter of Paul and Betty McNamara.

Kathy loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a kind and gentle soul who loved to laugh and could find the funny side in everything. Her smile was contagious and put everyone at ease. She was a true caregiver by nature and followed this path into a lifelong career as a nurse.

She loved gardening, flowers, bugs, all creatures and was a true caring steward of the earth. She passed this passion on to her children and grandchildren. In later years she enjoyed quiet times at home playing Qwirkle and cards with her partner Jim, also sewing, knitting, drawing, being in her gardens, visits with friends and family over a hot cup of coffee and regular phone calls with her sisters and best friend Leslie.

She encouraged everyone to be their best selves and love one another. She forgave easily, loved greatly and had a sense of humor through it all. She is greatly missed and touched many for the better.

Kathy is survived by her partner, Jim Reilly and his child, Rain Nissen-Reilly; ex-husband Russ Eastwood and their children Ben Eastwood (Gwyn Isaacs) and Rebecca Remington (Michael Remington); grandchildren Eamon, Oliver and Sidney Eastwood and Mason and Abigail Remington; brother and sisters Kerry (Carol) McNamara, Paula (Jack McConnell) McNamara and Betsy (Bill) Guthrie. She was predeceased by brother Peter McNamara

Donations in her name can be made to Homeward Bound, Addison County Humane Society.◊