Kathleen Ellen Flaherty

Kathleen "Kathy" Flaherty died peacefully in the early morning hours of July 20th with her children at her side. She was in her beloved West Virginia and surrounded with an endless amount of love and a fair amount of laughter. Kathy was an incredible mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, volunteer and warrior. She devoted her life to family and friends, leaving a legacy of warmth and kindness.
To know Kathy was to love her. She had an easy, infectious smile, a wicked sense of humor and an unforgettable sparkle in her eyes. She was humble and giving. Kathy poured herself into all she loved - her children, her grandchildren, her extended family, her friendships and her volunteer work. She never hesitated to let you know how much she loved you or how important you were to her.
Kathy lived life fully - taking every opportunity that came her way, particularly in the past several months. She loved to say yes to any adventure, plan, or reservation you made - just don't ask her to decide what to do! After retiring and relocating to Cincinnati from the Berkshires, Kathy became a dedicated volunteer at The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. She spent countless hours volunteering, first with the horticulture department and then with animal enrichment. She would tell you the zoo was her happy place.
Kathy lived life with endless energy and hope. Even after receiving a devastating diagnosis, she continued to make plans and goals and lived each day with the belief she had time on her side. She was resilient and independent and a role model of strength to all who knew her. Kathy loved to garden, dive into a good book, watch the birds at her feeder, and champion anything her granddaughters showed interest in. She believed it was a crime to nap on a sunny day and refused to make any decision after dark. She was a cheerleader, a confidant, a questionable chaperone, a co-conspirator - a legend. It is hard to imagine this world without her light in it. Kathy was fiercely loyal; she was goofy and creative, strong and tender, meticulous and outrageous.
She was happiest with her family and friends close by, sipping a cheap glass of white wine, listening to the laughter of the ones she cherished. Kathy's memory will live on in the endless stories shared about her quick wit, joyful laugh, and her uncanny ability to fall down.
Kathy leaves behind her son John Ethan Johnson and her daughter Jessica Neyer (Andy) who know how lucky they were to be able to call her mom. She cherished her granddaughters, Addison and Brenna Neyer, and her greatest joy came from spending time with them and cheering them on with laughter and love.
Her light will continue to shine in her beloved siblings Dennis Flaherty (Carol), Thomas Flaherty (Paula), Ruthie McWhorther (Glenn); a host of nieces and nephews and their families; and in her iconic friendships. We were the lucky ones to have walked by her side and the sound of her laughter will forever be missed.
A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, August 3rd from 2-5 p.m. at Frederick Funeral Home Family Center, 2553 Banning Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239. Join us to share stories and laughter - and be sure not to wear black, she wouldn't like that! Honor Kathy's memory by wearing bright, vibrant colors reminding each of us of the joy she brought into our world.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden/Animal Enrichment: https://cincinnatizoo.org/support/support-the-zoo/. On the website for the donation, where it says Honoree Name, please type in Kathy Flaherty. Special condolences may be expressed at frederickfh.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Kathleen Ellen Flaherty, please visit our Tree Store.