Kathleen Freyne

1925 - 2025

Kathleen Freyne
01/08/1925 - 11/19/2025
Kathleen Freyne, 100, of San Francisco, California, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. She was a cherished aunt, and friend to many, and her presence will be deeply missed. Kathleen was the second daughter of John Freyne and Annie Freyne. She was born in a smallholding in Doon West, Gurteen, County Sligo, Ireland. Kathleen had one sister, Brigid Freyne. At a very tender age of 15, she went to Dublin in search of work. She undertook a number of jobs and was well-liked for her pleasant disposition. Kathleen was the person who always helped and gave lovingly to her widowed mother and her sister's family.
She then went to London as a typist and further on to Paris where she enjoyed working as an executive secretary at the OECD, Organisation for the Economic and Development Cooperation. She was described as a "most efficient, conscientious and diligent" staff member and highly valued. Her niece, Marian, has fond memories of receiving wonderful parcels of clothing from Paris to show off at home in Ireland. Following two further placements in London and with recognition of her skills, she accepted a job on Wall Street in New York and arrived on the RMS Queen Elizabeth's final voyage in 1968.
Kathleen's final work placement was as executive secretary and receptionist in San Francisco with McKesson Corporation at One Post Street for 30 years. Kathleen loved her position and colleagues, and was admired and appreciated there. Kathleen was an avid walker and walked from Ghirardelli Square to and from work always at a pace that would put most of us at shame.
Kathleen was a devout Catholic and her faith was unwavering. She prayed every day and was a regular at mass. Kathleen read the San Francisco Chronicle and New York Times daily (read without spectacles) and kept well up to date on world affairs.
Kathleen's overarching quality was her kindness to others. She loved to interact with her colleagues, friends (including the four-legged variety), and neighbours, and did so always with a smile. Her niece, Marian and nephew, Sean loved her unconditionally and always looked forward to having her with them. She brought joy, love and fun to everyone.
On January 8th, 2025 Kathleen celebrated her 100th birthday. She was treated to tea in the Irish Consulate and received a letter from the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, who acclaimed her achievements and noted "You have lived through remarkable times in the history of Ireland."
Kathleen was a truly amazing woman with strength of mind, a soul full of love for all and a never ending sweet tooth for chocolate. (Her doctor advised her to enjoy chocolate every day, which Kathleen took as a prescription.) She was an Angel inside and out. She touched so many people, family and friends in so many ways. With her upbeat personality and generous spirit, she made and kept friends throughout her life, many of whom tended to her in her final days. Her upbeat personality and her generous spirit were evident in all the days of her life. We extend deep appreciation to the staff of Rhoda Goldman Plaza who befriended and cared for Kathleen in recent years. Go with God, Kathleen. Keep looking down on us and rest in peace.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 am on January 8, 2026 at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.