On Tues., April 5, at the New Calvary Cemetery in Roslindale, hundreds of people said farewell to Catherine “Kay” (Glavin) White as her body was laid to rest. Family and friends alike were sad, but it wasn’t just a time for sadness; it was a time to rejoice, a day of remembrance for a great lady who lived a long and wholesome life. She was two months shy of her 99th birthday when she died.

Kay, also known as “Nana White,” was the matriarch of her family and, in my estimation, the First Lady of Savin Hill. One of ten children in the Glavin household, she was married to the late Robert White for more than 40 years. Kay had seven children: Cathy, Barbara, Margie, Bobby, Walter (Wally), Edward (Eddie), and Father Joseph (Joe) White. She also had 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and anticipated great-great grandchildren.

“Yes, we are sad,” said her son, Father White, on the church altar. “But we are here to celebrate the life of Kay White. She lived a very good and long life…and we are here to rejoice because this is not the end…only the beginning of eternal life.”

Kay worked as a cook and unofficial secretary at Saint William’s Church in Dorchester for many years, hence one reason for 20 priests being present at her funeral Mass. When the church closed in 2005, Kay was heartbroken, so she decided to expand her crocheting activities (which was previously focused on creating Saint Patrick’s Day Irish-knit berets for family and friends) to include making American flag blankets for those who served in the armed forces. These flags are now scattered throughout the world with those who were fortunate to have known and loved one of God’s best.

Kay’s home in Savin Hill was the center of ceaseless activity for many years, as family members, friends, and priests, visited her often and then stayed longer than anticipated. Her door was always open; she said the Rosary at least once every day; she handed out wise advice; and she was stern, when necessary, with family members. If she said yes or no to a question, she never wavered in her decision.

Kay was a devout Catholic who embraced God every minute of her life. She taught all in her family to love one another, to love God, to love and respect one’s neighbors, and to defend this great country.

“She was a model of magnanimity,” Father Joe added. “And she passed her faith on from one generation to the next. She nourished us in so many ways leaving us with shared experiences, faith, and hope.”

Her son Wally, who spoke at the Mass, said his mom would be pleased to see so many people in attendance.

“My mom always told us to be kind,” he said at the church podium. “She told us to be compassionate, live our faith, and stay out of trouble. She was an amazing woman who showed us the way. Although we are saddened…we are here to celebrate her life of faith.”

Life has changed for Kay White, yet it has not ended as she begins her righteous path to immortality next to the throne of God, whom she loved so deeply. On the days when she was waked and then laid to rest, the sun shone brightly. The weather was perfect. God was preparing, welcoming Kay up to heaven. The day after the services, it rained. I walked outside of my house and thought that God was crying, but when I heard birds chirping in nearby trees, I realized the rain was our tears and the birds singing was affirmation that God had indeed welcomed Kay into his kingdom.

Kay was one of a kind, without doubt a “model of magnanimity” who will be sorely missed by many for many years.

And until we meet again, I will steal Kay’s two favorite words, the ones she used regularly when saying goodbye to company, by declaring, “God bless” to everyone, especially to you, Kay White.

Kevin Devlin is a writer and a Dorchester native who has been a lifelong friend to the White Family.