Kathleen M. McGettigan

Kathleen McGettigan was born in Brooklyn in 1920. She lived a long and fruitful life. She is survived by her brother, Francis, her three children Patrick, Kathleen, and Sheila, her seven grandchildren Sean, Brendan, Caitlin, Matthew, Elizabeth, Megan and Lauren and her great grandchildren Aiden, Quinn, and Claire. All of whom loved her dearly.

She lived faithfully with her husband Bill for nearly 60 years. She loved her Lord with all her heart and worshiped him faithfully through her entire life. She supported his church, especially this parish, by the gift of her time and money. She continually followed in Christ’s footsteps as she knew them and taught her children and those with whom she came in contact, to follow as well.

Mom’s faith and devotion to God was not just on display on Sundays or holy days, it was every day. She said the rosary and her prayers every day! In fact, in her later years she would sometimes fall asleep while saying the rosary. She would then awaken, and not know where she left off. So, she would start again…. So, we’re sure she has a large rosary bank in heaven waiting for her.

Kathleen was a wonderful woman, a kind woman, and a caring woman. Through her almost 92 years on this earth she influenced so many lives, from her own children and extended family, to her third grade students in elementary school, and to you that are here today to honor her and say goodbye. Her kindness and genuine caring for others were without end.

Mom had a very special friend, and if at any time someone had a problem or was in trouble, she promised to talk to her friend who would help. Her friend was St Jude to whom she prayed regularly with the strongest of faith that he would answer her prayers. Mom had another friend, her guardian angel, who she spoke to regularly.

She and her husband Bill did whatever they needed to do to support her family and give their children a good life. When financial times were hard, Kathleen went to work. Once, while looking for work, Mom went to church to pray. As she was leaving the church she saw a notice in the back of St Kevin’s church - a notice that St. Andrew’s school was looking for a teacher. She got the job. That career as a third grade school teacher lasted for 20 years. Kathleen was the first woman in her family to graduate from college and years later, in her 40’s she went back and obtained her master’s degree.

Mom and her husband Bill had plenty of difficulties in their lives, but they had their special pleasure times as well; quiet vacations to Vermont, visits to Jones Beach where they would walk the beach or just sit in the car and watch the ocean, and the race track with Bill (Mom seemed to always pick the right horse by it’s colors or name, which usually upset Bill as he had diligently studied the racing forms and was sure he was making the right pick).

Mom was also a “pistol” of a woman (probably a good thing to be in Texas…..as well as in New York). She always was willing to speak her mind and give you her “no nonsense” opinion (turn to the priest - She did watch Fox News Channel, Father, as much as the Catholic Channel!!). She didn’t mince words when it came to taking a position on issues that she felt strongly about from either her fundamental Catholic beliefs or from those that she had developed throughout her lifelong experiences. (In our home at least, everyone knew not to argue with “Grandma”.)

Over the last 5 years, Kathleen lived in Texas close to our family. Imagine, a Brooklyn born and raised woman, who had lived her whole life in New York, moving to the “heart of Texas”? There were a few adjustments…. But, as was the case in all her life, Mom adjusted. She loved shopping and finding great bargains, going to Mass at St. Ann’s, her local parish. She also loved dinners with her family (she was always happiest when she had her family and their friends around her both here and in Texas country. She loved to be around people and loved the activity. (As an aside, you would be amazed at the number of our friends that met her in places we frequented that came to love her and took care of Mom when she was wheelchair-bound who wish they could be here with you today to say goodbye to Mom.)

We received this note from a work associate of Sheila’s that is wonderfully stated:

“It is time that someone so dear is no longer present with us, we cannot touch or hear her voice ...

It's a big pain and we feel that all is lost forever ....But a sincere love will never die.

The memory of those who were dear will live forever in our hearts and that is stronger than any embrace and more important than any words.”

For those of us who are left behind with the loss of a loved one there are hard questions to answer.

Is it ok…

- To have tears of sorrow for the loss we feel for Kathleen while having tears of joy at knowing that she is in a better place, at rest, with her husband Bill and all that have gone before?

Is it ok….

- To cry for ourselves while crying for the loss of another at the same time?

Is it ok….

- To plan for living without someone while painfully mourning their loss?

It IS ok. It IS ok. IT IS….

We love you Mom, and we will never forget the many gifts that you left us and the joy you brought to our lives. Rest now, with your God and enjoy the eternal comfort of all those who have gone before you.

---- Given by Paul Johnson, Kathleen's son-in-law

Kathleen McGettigan, my Grandmother, was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. Her devotion to her family and God were unparalleled.

Some of my most special memories of my childhood were spending Christmas at my Grandparents’ house. We would go to Christmas Eve mass, usually arriving a few minutes late despite Grandma setting the clocks ahead at least fifteen minutes to accommodate for Grandpa, who was the love of her life. The next morning my sister Liz and I would wake up to half eaten milk and cookies which Grandma would insist Santa had eaten. I remember many years my cousins (Sean, Brendon, Caitlin, Megan, and Lauren) would be there as she always wanted to be close to family.

After we moved to Washington, we would see my Grandparents about once a month. When we went to visit them in New York, there was an overwhelming sense of family. There always seemed to be relatives and neighbors at the house. Everyone would spend hours sitting in the living room or dining room talking - not only because they were the only air-conditioned rooms - but because we cared about each other and Grandma fostered this family unity.

When I went to college in New York it was so easy because my Grandparents made it easy. I would visit them every month or so and spend Saturday night with them. We would go to the five o’clock mass and then the Blue Bay. I went not out of obligation but because I felt at home there.

After college, it became my home. During this time period I got to know how great Grandma really was and how important family and religion were to her. I saw how she talked to each of her children, every day. I saw how she had Saturday night dinner with Uncle Frank every week. I saw how she watched the Catholic channel for hours on end- the remote was not broken. I saw her go to church every week and often more.

After she moved to Texas, I would visit her in Texas about once a year and these visits were some of my greatest trips. As always with Grandma she had family around her and within a month or two of going to Texas she was leading her Rosary group.

Grandma was a great person who put God and family in front of herself. For me, she gave me wonderful childhood memories, support through a transition in my life, a home during another. She taught me how all else in the world pales against God and family. I will always love Grandma.

--- Given by Matthew Dean, Kathleen's grandson