Mary Katherine Dillon

DILLON Mary Katherine (Kay), 74, of Islip, NY on December 10, 2015 after a courageous battle against Alzheimer's. Born in Queens, NY to CJ and Mary (Sullivan) Keilman. Sister to twin brothers Bob (Maureen) and Jim (Kathi). Kay studied at Rosemont College where she majored in early childhood education. She married her sweetheart Thomas J. (Tom) Dillon in 1963, moved to Bay Shore and ultimately settled in Islip. For more than 20 years, Kay was a devoted elementary school teacher at St. Rose of Lima and Brentwood public schools. Kay and Tom were active members of St. Mary's Church from which they derived spiritual strength and friends of a lifetime. For 20 years they were leaders in the parish pre-Cana program, where they touched the lives of countless young couples, sharing their strong spirituality of marriage and family life. Kay was a proud member of the Hibernian Festival Singers and cherished the friendships she found singing in every season and on stages literally around the world. A lover of nature, Kay lived a life filled with gratitude for God's creations. Most of all, she loved the beach and whenever she could, she would make her way to the water's edge to plant her chair and tuck her toes in the sand; surrounded by her family and the cluster of girlfriends who walked with her through life laughing, loving and singing the whole way. Kay had a passion for adventure and an eye for what was unique and special. She found the greatest pleasure in the simplest of moments. Kay was first and foremost a loving and devoted wife; and just behind that was her second favorite role mother. She was indescribably proud of her children Bob (Linda Trotta), Kathleen, Eileen Thuman (Jim) and Kevin (Eileen White). She was beloved grandmother to: James Dylan Thuman, Catherine Thuman, Matthew Johnston, Grace Johnston, Joshua Thuman, Mia Dillon, Mary Johnston, Liam Thuman, Nathaniel Dillon, and Liam Dillon. Visiting, Friday, 2-4:30 and 7-9 PM at Overton Funeral Home, Inc. 172 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, 10:15 AM, St. Mary's R.C. Church, East Islip, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations to Maria Regina Residence will be appreciated (1725 Brentwood Rd., Building 1, Brentwood, NY 11717) It was at Maria Regina where Kay spent the last four and a half years of her life, bathed in the tender care of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the remarkable staff that looked after her mind, body and soul. The Dillon family is deeply grateful for the Maria Regina community.