Kathleen (Sullivan) DeGraffenreid

Kathleen (Sullivan) DeGraffenreid of San Diego, California, formerly of Belmont, Massachusetts, passed away at her home on February 28, 2021 after a lengthy struggle with interstitial lung disease. She was 73.

Kathy was the beloved wife of Douglas C. DeGraffenreid who passed away on July 5, 2009. She was born on June 29, 1947 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Frederick K. Sullivan and Ferne R. (Sullivan) Sullivan.

Kathy graduated from Belmont High School ('65) and Simmons College ('69). After graduating from college, Kathy moved to Denver Colorado where she met and married Doug. They later settled in San Jose, CA, where Kathy raised her family and earned a degree in epidemiology at San Jose State University. Kathy enjoyed a very successful career in drug safety for Roche Pharmaceuticals, and later for Johnson & Johnson. She relocated to San Diego after her husband's passing to enjoy retirement, and spend time with her youngest grandson, Ry.

Kathy was as caring, considerate, and selfless as she was intelligent, driven, and hardworking. She always put the needs of others, particularly those close to her, ahead of her own. She made the world a better place through her generous nature and charitable spirit. Before her illness, Kathy was an active member of St Therese of Carmel Church in San Diego. She spent many hours as a passionate volunteer for Gently Hugged, a charitable organization in San Diego.

Kathy is survived by her two sons: Mark D. DeGraffenreid and his wife, Shira, of San Diego, and Michael R. DeGraffenreid and his wife Joy of San Francisco. Kathy also leaves her stepdaughters: Deidra Mann of Colorado, and Diane Nichols of Arizona, as well as her grandchildren: Ry DeGraffenreid, David Washco, William Washco, Nathaniel Washco, Bree Smart, and Dakota Smart. Kathy was the sister of Carole D. Cappello and her husband Richard of Marlborough, MA, Frederick K. Sullivan Jr. and his wife Constance of East Lyme, CT, and the late Robert R. Sullivan and his wife Mary-Ann of Stoneham, MA. Kathy was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Kathy's life on Tuesday, June 29th in Saint Joseph's Church, 130 Common Street, Belmont where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Belmont Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Memorials in Kathy's name may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org).