Marlene J. Kavaney

Kavaney, Marlene J.
GLENMONT - Marlene Judith (Smith) Kavaney, 86, of Glenmont, N.Y., passed away peacefully at home, on January 27, 2026. Born on December 4, 1939, in Rockford, Ill., Judi was the eldest child of Carole and Marling Smith. She graduated from Kirkland High School in 1957, then moved on to complete a three-year nursing program in Rockford. In 1963, Judi went on a life-changing trip to Algeria, with a medical teaching team after the country's independence. On returning to the U.S., Judi landed in Chicago, where she met her former husband, Patrick Kavaney.
Judi spent most of her career as an oncology nurse, eventually transitioning to her honored role as hospice nurse, where she created meaningful bonds with her patients and their loved ones, giving her immense fulfillment. Judi had many passions, including promoting social change, and teaching English to inmates and immigrants. She was an adventurous traveler, having biked through the highlands of Donegal, to hiking the mountains of Machu Picchu. Judi was well known for stirring up political debates, and singing at every family gathering.
Judi is survived by her children, Bill Benson (Leonore Benson), Mary Kavaney (Marc Isaacs), Kathleen Kavaney, Patrick Kavaney; grandchildren, Tiffany, Molly and Jack Isaacs, Sawyer and Naomi Kavaney; and her beloved cat, Angus. She was predeceased by her grandson, Patrick Mahoney.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar, on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Doctors Without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, www.mohawkhumane.org which were causes close to Judi's heart.
To leave the family an online condolence please visit www.applebeefuneralhome.com