Kathleen Marie (Landers) Stumpo

Kathleen Marie (Landers) Stumpo, of Walpole (formerly of Norwood) passed away on February 6th after a courageous battle with cancer. Since her first diagnosis of acute leukemia in 2010, Kathleen faced her medical challenges with determination to conquer the disease in order to continue to enjoy her most precious family. Thanks to the selflessness and generosity of her brother, Jack, Kathleen triumphed over leukemia with the donation of his bone marrow cells, which were a perfect match and officially led her to a sustained remission.





Despite several additional medical complications over the years, Kathleen's resolve afforded her the ability to fearlessly press on, forever keeping her "eye on the prize" - spending coveted time and making beautiful memories with her grandchildren, children and beloved husband, Silvio.


A recent, successful kidney transplant, donated by her loving and devoted daughter, Kate, was complicated by a new cancer diagnosis, which Kathleen faced not only with continued grace, but also with renewed resilience, relentlessness and tenacity. Her unwavering and silent strength inspired her village of family and friends, while simultaneously endearing her to healthcare providers as she persisted in the face of devastating circumstances.





Kathleen was born in Norwood, Massachusetts where she met her high school sweetheart and soulmate of over fifty years, Silvio. They eventually moved to Walpole where for 30 years they raised a beautiful family of three daughters: Kristen, Kate and Kerri. When she wasn't cheering on her daughters on the sidelines, she provided a warm and welcoming home to friends and family alike, ensuring that everyone left with a full belly and a full heart. She enjoyed doting on her daughters and grandchildren, dining out with Silvio in the North End and traveling to her favorite places like Cape Cod, Ireland and Italy.





Kathleen graduated from Norwood High School and went on to pursue a nursing career after having completed her education at the Faulkner Hospital School of Nursing where she was vice president of her class from 1971 to 1973 and lauded the Centennial Club Award for clinical excellence. She spent the majority of her career caring for children in the pediatric units of various hospitals, but mostly, Norwood Hospital so she could work close to home and still care for her own family. It is only fitting that she became the most tender-loving and nurturing mother and Nana after a career dedicated to caring for children.





She was the backbone and matriarch of the family-always prioritizing everyone else's needs before her own. She gently encouraged her daughters to pursue an education and a path that ignited their passion, giving them roots to remind them that they could always come home, but wings to let them follow individual life journeys wherever they may lead.





The greatest joys in Kathleen's life were her grandchildren: Francesca Margaret, Bianca Kathleen, Kobe Chase, Zac Blaze, Matteo Silvio and Fiona Catherine. She cherished her role as Nana from the time they were born right up to the teenage years. She was always there...showing up to library time with the babies, bringing flowers to dance recitals, routing them on at sporting events and treating her little cherubs "just because."





Kathleen leaves behind her loving and adoring husband of fifty years, Silvio, her devoted daughters, Kristen and her husband Jimmy of Westwood, Kate and her husband Brian of Medfield, and Kerri and her husband Michael of Chicago, her darling grandchildren, her loving brother Jack Landers of New Hampshire and dear sister Peggy (Margaret) Geiger of E .Wareham, and many nieces, nephews and extended family both here and abroad. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine (Folan) Landers of Norwood (formerly Ireland).





Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, February 12th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street, Norwood, Ma 02062.





Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 13th at 10.30am at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, Ma 02081





For those wishing to honor Kathleen, flowers may be sent to Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home. Alternatively, consider donating to the John D. Langley Foundation, www.jdlfoundation.org which sponsors extracurricular and enrichment opportunities for children and teens in need.