Carleigh Sullivan Kachel of Hingham tragically passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at age 19, just nine days shy of her 20th birthday.
She was born to Belinda (Costigan) and Eric Kachel and grew up in Hingham, attending South Elementary School and Hingham Middle and High School.
Carleigh was an amazing little sister to her brother, Christian. The two shared a special bond filled with countless inside jokes, laughter, and conversations about life. They were each other’s confidants and often went for walks together, talking about everything and joking about their parents. Their connection was truly special, built on a deep friendship and a lifetime of shared memories.
To her parents, Carleigh was an amazing, beautiful, and polite daughter who brought them special joy. She could bring laughter and humor to any situation. Like many young people during the COVID era, she struggled in school but found outlets and happiness in music, skateboarding, and fashion. She also had a particularly strong love of animals. Curious and outgoing, she had a radiant smile that will forever be remembered in her family’s hearts.
In her earlier school years, Carleigh enjoyed playing just about every sport, including soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. At one point, she was one of only three girls playing in a boys’ 9- and 10-year-old Little League baseball league and was one of the best players on the team. Whether competing on the field or simply enjoying the game, she brought enthusiasm and good sportsmanship to everything she did.
Carleigh also had a deep love for the water and the adventures that came with it. Some of her happiest memories were made swimming in the family pool and at the Hingham Yacht Club, where she learned to swim and sail. During her years at the Yacht Club, she was often recognized not only for her participation but also for her infectious smile, kindness, and cheerful spirit.
She participated in the annual three-quarter-mile Bumpkin Island Swim with her dad, learned to surf with her dad and brother, and enjoyed lobstering and exploring the ocean aboard the family boats. She especially loved spending summers in Maine, where she enjoyed summer camp, time with her cousins, paddleboarding with her mom, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
Her love of adventure also took her to California, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, along with memorable cruises shared with her mom and brother. Whether boating, spending carefree summer days with family, or simply enjoying the beauty of the shore, Carleigh found a special sense of joy, freedom, and happiness near the water.
Carleigh’s creativity and artistic talents were another beautiful reflection of her personality. She loved sketching, painting, and fashion, especially thrifting and searching for unique pieces of clothing that she could transform into something entirely her own. After learning to sew, she began designing and creating her own clothes, combining fabrics, trims, and unexpected details with a style that was uniquely Carleigh’s.
She modeled her own designs at a school fashion show, participated in fashion activities at Hingham High School, and was working on her portfolio for admission to Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She also shared a special memory with her mom when they modeled together at a SNAP charity event.
Beyond her artistic talents, Carleigh had a generous heart and a natural desire to help others. She volunteered her makeup artistry skills to bring smiles to children at a homeless shelter and later turned her love of face painting into her own small business, bringing joy to children’s birthday parties. Her compassion was evident from a young age, whether volunteering at charity events or finding creative ways to raise money for causes close to her heart. Carleigh had a wonderful way of using her talents, imagination, and kindness to brighten the lives of those around her.
Carleigh was the cherished daughter of Belinda (Costigan) Kachel of Hingham and Eric Kachel of Hull, and the loving sister and confidant of Christian Kachel of Quincy. She was the adored granddaughter of Margaret “Patty” Costigan of Eliot, Maine. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., Hingham. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. at Resurrection of the Lord Parish, 1057 Main St., Hingham.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carleigh’s name may be made to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.
For directions and online condolences, visit www.Keohane.com.
To send flowers through the family’s preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, visit the Keohane flower store.