Kathleen ‘Kay’ O'Leary

Kay O'Leary of Hyde Park passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her grateful children, at the age of 101 on August 28th, 2024. She has joined her beloved husband, Paul, and her five siblings in heaven.
Kay's cherished siblings, Guy Rappleyea, Mary Jean King, Father Robert Rappleyea, Allan Rappleyea, and Nancy Rappleyea, predeceased her. She is survived by her four children: Daniel O'Leary (Cheryl), Kathleen O'Leary, Aileen Rohr (Michael), and Thomas O'Leary (Carol), as well as her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law Julie Rappleyea.
Born in 1923 in Poughkeepsie, NY, Kay was the second of the six children of Guy and Gertrude Rappleyea. As the eldest daughter, Kay learned at a young age to be a selfless caretaker, a trait she carried with love throughout her life. Kay and her siblings shared a deep commitment to their Catholic faith, inspired by their mother, Gertrude. This faith, as well as love of family, was a defining feature of each of their lives.
Kay was a dedicated worker and gave her best to every endeavor. She was a proud member of Regina Coeli Parish. Many of Kay's happiest childhood memories were of time spent with her siblings in Port Ewen, where faith and fun intertwined. Despite enduring the hardships of the Great Depression, the family always made the most of life, creating a special bond among them.
A graduate of SUNY Albany, Kay held several teaching positions before focusing on her family. She had many interests, including sailing, gardening, caretaking, and cooking, with a particular passion for "antiquing." She loved the hunt and the research, valuing all things. Her keen intellect remained sharp until her final days, as she enjoyed reading The New Yorker and The Catholic New Yorker, leaving detailed notes on politics, history, and science.
Kay met Paul at SUNY Albany, and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary as life partners. Paul's sense of humor won Kay over, and her laughter and sense of adventure were evident throughout their long life together, filled with joyful times shared with their children and grandchildren.
Kay will be remembered for her many wonderful traits by her family and all who knew her. In her final year, her advice to her family was simple: be good, be fair, be honest.
Calling hours will be held at Sweet's Funeral Home on Friday, August 30th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Regina Coeli on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 at 10:00am Internment at St. Peter's Cemetery to follow.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park.
To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com