Kathleen (Whalen) Leckband, 81, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Dorchester, MA on September 30, 1936, she was a daughter of the late William Francis and Mary Virginia (Clinton) Whalen. Kathleen lived in New York City for most of her life. She was a 1958 graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston. Kathleen continued her education earning a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Fordham University in New York City as well as her PHD from NYU. Kathleen was a Sociology Dept. Chair at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC and taught hundreds of students over her 45-year career. She was most happy and proud when teaching and surrounded by young eager students in pursuit of higher education. Kathleen was an insatiable reader, avid gardener and tennis player.  She enjoyed classical music and the Philharmonic and was a proud member of the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Kathleen traveled often and extensively, experiencing many lands and cultures. Kathleen had a soft spot for many worthy causes and gave generously to many charities. Kathy leaves her daughters Megan Monaghan-Salomon and husband Daniel Salomon of Cold Springs, FL and Maura Monaghan of Springfield; her brother John Whalen of Quincy, MA; her sisters Mary Ferrara and husband Tony of Weymouth, MA and Maureen Kaelbel of Fort Lauderdale, FL; as well as five grandchildren: Ashleen, Shannon, Sophie, Avery and Merridy. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, William “Billy Whalen Jr. and Paul Whalen; and her sisters, Alice Pietroniro and Phyllis Holland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 6pm at Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen St, Springfield, MA. Calling hours will precede the service from 4-6pm. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Kathleen Leckband Scholarship Fund at Marymount Manhattan College. Information to the fund will be provided shortly. 

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