Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
977 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California
Kathleen Leyden Obituary
March 16, 1951 - August 24, 2023
Kathleen Patricia Leyden, 72, of San Mateo, CA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 24, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Kathleen was born the youngest of six children to James and Elizabeth Kiernan in Longford, Ireland in 1951. After spending her first 18 years in Ennybegs, Kathleen emigrated to the United States with her older brother Peter to join their eldest sister Eileen in New York.
While living in the Bronx, Kathleen met her husband Tom Leyden of Clare, Ireland. The couple briefly moved back to Ireland followed by a short residence in Fairbanks, Alaska before moving to San Francisco. Kathleen and Tom were blessed with three children -Janette, Thomas, and James - while living in the Sunset District for 13 years before permanently moving to San Mateo.
Kathleen is fondly remembered as the best Mom and homemaker by her family. She loved hosting friends and family for dinner and her Sunday barbeques in San Mateo were a staple of good food and fun. Whether the occasions were Holy Communions, graduations, holidays, or any excuse to gather, Kathleen enjoyed opening her home. She loved traveling and regularly took her kids back to Ireland in the summers. Other favorite destinations included her trip to Italy with sister Eileen and brother-in-law Carl and an Alaskan cruise with her brother Eamon and sister-in-law Anne Marie. Above all, whether it was supporting Janette's Irish Dancing, taking Thomas on many trips/activities, or cheering James on the baseball field, Kathleen always made supporting her children her top priority.
Kathleen was predeceased by her three brothers, Peter, Jim, and John. She is survived by her daughter Janette (Thor Hunt) and sons Thomas and James; grandchildren Ciara and Ella; siblings Eileen Petri and Eamon Kiernan; and her many nieces and nephews. She is forever in our hearts.
The family would like to thank the Stanford Oncology Department, especially Dr. Neal and NP Judy Pagtama, for their care over the last six years and more recently, Mission Hospice for their care and support in the last five months.
Friends and family are invited to visit after 10 a.m. with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on September 7, 2023, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94402.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Leyden
Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Paul Gray
August 24, 2024
Still thinking of you Kathleen and and missing the many chats and banter we had
You were one in a million. You will always be missed.
Teresa McHugh
September 5, 2023
My heart goes out to Tommy Janette Thomas James & extended family. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of all the great times we had together. Kathleen had a huge heart & opened her beautiful home to Pat Sean & I & the Cunnanes. I will miss our talks &many laughs. A true friend is never truly gone. Their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved them. May Kathleen's gentle soul rest in heavenly peace.
Bob and Barbara Fallon
September 5, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the Leyden Family. May Kathleen Rest In Peace .
From Bob and Barbara Fallon
JP & Breda ( Gray) Murphy & Family
September 3, 2023
Our heartfelt sympathy to all Kathleen's Family - Janette, Thomas, James, Thomas Sr, also Eileen, Eamon and extended Kiernan and Leyden Families, thinking of you all and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathleen was one of life's characters, her warm and engagjng personality made every meeting an event to remember. Thinking of you all particularly during these difficult days ahead. RIP Kathleen
Padraig, Úna ( Gray )Mulligan & Family
September 3, 2023
We are truly sorry to hear of the passing of Kathleen.
Our deepest condolences to Jeanette, Thomas Jnr., James, Thomas Snr., Eileen, Eamon & extended family during this difficult time.
We loved to see her visit Longford, Ireland as she was a fun and laughter - filled character with a great sense of humour .
Her hospitality and generosity knew no bounds and the door was always open, when we visited her home many years ago, leaving us with many wonderful memories of San Francisco.
Rest in Peace Kathleen
Kathy Rainsford
September 2, 2023
I offer my deepest sympathies to the Leyden and Kiernan Family and extended Family on the loss of Kathleen, I was saddened by this news, the last time I saw Kathleen was in the Inner Sunset, she immediately invited me in for cup of Barry's tea and biscuits. Kathleen was so generous and so full of fun it was always a great pleasure to meet her. May her dear soul Rest In Peace with the Angels and Saints
Eileen Cunnane
September 1, 2023
To Tommy, Janette, Thomas, James and extended family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Kathleen. She was truly a kind, fun loving and generous friend who we will miss dearly. The summer barbecues and kitchen table chats over a cup of tea were always filled with laughter. Kathleen's hospitality we will never forget. She will always be in our hearts and her memory will always bring a smile. RIP Kathleen.
Mike and Noreen Tiernan
August 31, 2023
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing, she was always so friendly and fun to meet. Condolences to Tommy and family. May she rest in peace.
Mike and Noreen Tiernan Petaluma.
Paul GRAY
August 31, 2023
Sincere sympathies extended to the Leyden and Kiernan families on the sad passing of Kathleen, a truly superb human being. I have so many fond memories of her they are too mumerous to mention here. She was great company to be around and always ready to oblige and help people out. Her generosity knew no bounds. She will be missed by all. May she rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Leyden's name
Memorial Events
for Kathleen Leyden
Sep
7
Funeral services provided by:
Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen Leyden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
