Kathryn Donnelly Obituary

Mom, Kate, Kathryn, Grandma Kate or Mammer Tate, whatever you called her and however you knew her, you had to love her. Kathryn Donnelly passed away on May 28th, 2014, just a few days before her 93rd birthday. Born Kathryn McCready, June 2, 1921, in Olean, New York, this amazing woman's warmth and strength shone through the many experiences of her nearly 93 years of life. Kate grew up in Olean, one of seven children of James and Gertrude McCready. After high school in Olean, Kate attended nursing school in Buffalo until she married William C. Donnelly and together they had five sons and three daughters. In 1954, Mobil Oil transferred over 100 families to the newly opened refinery in Ferndale, WA, and Kate and Bill moved their family west and settled in Bellingham. Kate eventually went to work in the nursery at St. Joseph's Hospital where she tended to a generation of Whatcom County newborns. She was a member of Assumption Catholic Church for nearly 60 years. Always a sports fan, Kate was an enthusiastic supporter of her children's and grandchildren's sports endeavors, and was a fan of the Bellingham Bells, the Seattle Mariners, and the Seattle Seahawks. Kate's sense of humor kept her mind sharp and her heart young. She loved camp fires, crossword puzzles, tropicana roses, Christmas, all things Irish, and above all, family gatherings and just plain fun. Kate is survived by her sister, Mary Hungerford; sons and their spouses Dan and Janice, Bill and Pat, Mike and Kathy, John and LeaAnn, and Tim and Jamie Donnelly; daughters and spouses Kathleen Donnelly, Mary K. And Bob Hanell, and Nancy and Lyall Radke; grandchildren Dan and Heidi, Eirik, Brent and Coral, Rylan, Nolan, Erin, and Nora Donnelly, Kate and Rob Cook, Jason Radke, Holly Radke, Casey and Abby Hanell, Megan and Bobby Kendall; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Bill in 1983. Kate's family is grateful to Whatcom Hospice for their warm and attentive care in Kate's final weeks, and wish to express special thanks to her caregivers Julie, Carol, Lynn and Pat for their loving and skilled expertise. Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2600 Douglas Ave, Bellingham, 98225. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014, at Church of the Assumption, 2111 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA, at 10:30 a.m. "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." You may share your thoughts and memories of Kathryn at www.farewelltributes.com

Published by Bellingham Herald from May 31 to Jun. 1, 2014.
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3 Entries

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. My heartfelt Sympathy to the Donnelly Family. May God bring comfort to all of you.

June 14, 2014

I remember her your Mom's warmth and sense of humor. Sorry for your loss.

Pat Cobelens vivolo

May 31, 2014

Our sympathy and prayers are with you all with the loss of Kate She was a caring nurse with a wonderful sense of humor!
Loved working with her at St. Jo's.
Blessings to all,
Linda and Gerry Rhea

May 31, 2014

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