Kathleen R. Mullins of Milford, formerly of Needham, passed away on February 18th, 2024 surrounded by her family. Born in Needham in 1950, Kathy was the daughter of Edward and Ruth (Foster) Mullins. She was the second of five children. She is predeceased by her parents and her cherished brother Tim, who passed away in 2019.

Kathy was the loving wife of Bruce D’Innocenzo and devoted mother of their two children: Michelle and Mark. She was the adoring mother-in-law of Mark’s wife Samantha and grandmother of their daughter, Ella. Kathy was also a caring sister to: Jerry, Tim and his wife Peg, Tom, Jim and his wife Michele, and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Kathy graduated from Needham High School, Class of 1968. For many years after high school, Kathy worked at Newton Wellesley Hospital. With the strong encouragement of her brother Jerry, she joined the Needham Police Department in 1983 and went on to become the department’s first female detective. During her career, she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Within her duties as a detective, Kathy also served with the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force (NORPAC). Kathy spent most of her 32-year law enforcement career as an investigator, and retired in 2015. Even after retirement, Kathy continued to work part-time at Needham Police Department in an administrative role.

In addition to her many years of public service, Kathy had a lifelong love of horseback riding and home improvement. She and Bruce renovated their cottage on Sebago Lake, where she enjoyed walking her dogs, boating, kayaking and spending time with family. Kathy also relished the opportunity to share a bottle of wine with her friends on the deck overlooking the lake.

Kathy touched so many lives and will be remembered for her strength, kind-hearted nature and willingness to assist anyone in need.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Sunday, February 25th from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham, on Monday, February 26th at 10am, followed by a burial at Needham Cemetery and a reception at the Needham VFW, 20 Junction Street, Needham.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Kathy’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen R. Mullins, please visit our floral store.