Carleigh

Kachel

Carleigh Sullivan Kachel of Hingham tragically passed away Friday, November 6, 2026, at age 19, just shy of her 20th birthday on November 15.

She was born to Belinda (Costigan) and Eric Kachel. Carleigh grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts, 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 something truly special, built on a deep friendship and a lifetime of shared memories.

To her parents, she was an amazing, beautiful, polite daughter who brought them special joy. She could bring laughter and humor to any situation. Like many kids during the COVID era, she struggled in school but found her outlets and joy in music, skateboarding and fashion. Her love of animals was especially strong as well. She was curious, outgoing and had a radiant smile that will be forever remembered in their hearts.

In earlier school years, Carleigh enjoyed playing just about every sport, including soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball. At the time she was one of only three girls to play in a boy’s 9–10-year-old Little League baseball league and was one of the best on the team. Whether competing on the field or simply enjoying the game, she brought enthusiasm and kind sportsmanship to everything.

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 just for her participation, but for her infectious smile, kindness and cheerful spirit. She also participated in the annual ¾-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, fashion, and especially thrifting, searching for unique pieces of clothing that she would 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.

Cherished daughter of Belinda (Costigan) Kachel of Hingham and Eric Kachel of Hull. Loving sister and confidant to Christian Kachel of Quincy. Adored granddaughter of Margaret “Patty” Costigan of Eliot, ME. Also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours from 4-8 PM on Monday, November 16th, at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St., HINGHAM. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 17th at 10 AM at Resurrection of the Lord Parish, 1057 Main St., Hingham.