Katherine A. Marshall M.D.

Katherine A. Marshall M.D., of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was 71.

Born on July 28, 1952, Katherine was the daughter of the late Kenneth P. and Eleanor Marshall. She was raised in Scituate and grew up in a house surrounded by music, often joining in singing with the family and with the family band “The Marshalls”. Katherine always had perfect pitch. She graduated from Scituate High School in 1970, where she sang in several choral groups including the Chanterelles, and was captain of the Majorettes. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Boston in 1974 and started her career working at the university as a Professor of Biology where she met her husband Bill. She then attended the University of Massachusetts Medical School, earning her M.D. in 1983. 

Katherine had an outstanding career as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist for over 35 years at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts, where she delivered over 4,000 babies. She was also active in many causes, including, in her college days, demonstrating against the Vietnam Nam War and in support of Civil Rights. Throughout her career, she actively supported many humanitarian efforts, including volunteering to help the victims in Armenia after the earthquake in 1988. 

Katherine always looked forward to spending summer vacations with friends and family down in Falmouth. And once her grandchildren came along, nothing made her happier than spending time with them down in Charleston, South Carolina. 

In addition to her late husband, William D. Riley, she was also predeceased by siblings Jeanmarie Marshall, Brian Marshall and Geraldine Marshall, and brother-in-law Phil Riley. 

She is survived by her sons, Derek Riley (Kelly) of Charleston, South Carolina and Brian Marshall-Riley of Boston; her grandchildren Brynn and Teddy Riley; her siblings Barry Marshall (Doreen) of Boston, Kenneth Marshall (Julie Tran) of Waltham, Kevin Marshall of Scituate and Ellie Marshall of Somerville; her nephews Aaron Michlewitz (Maria) and Cullen Marshall; brother-in-law Harold Michlewitz; her sisters-in-law Sheila Riley-Callahan (John) and Johanna Bohan Riley. She is also survived by Debbie Michlewitz and Michael Pasinkoff.

Family and friends will honor and remember Katherine’s life by gathering for a Celebration of Life at the University of Massachusetts Club, One Beacon Street, 32nd Floor, Boston, on Sunday, July 28th at 1 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Katherine’s name may be made to UMass Boston Biology Department at umb.edu/give.