Catherine Healy

Kay Healy: cherished mother, grandmother, caretaker, Irish Mob Boss, warrior, survivor, all rolled into one.

Her life was not always easy.

Her dad passed while she was in her 20’s,
Her mom passed while she was in her 30’s
At 40 she became a widow with 3 kids to care for.
In her 60’s & 70’s she survived cancer & heart disease…
Dementia approached in her 80s….a true survivor, a warrior
No matter what adversity she faced, she persevered and moved forward.
She taught her family grit. It was by example she lead.

Catherine Troy & Thomas Joseph Healy were married in 1957. As an only child she loved being part of the Healy five. The Healy family embraced her as their own. She was truly part of the “gang”. After the passing of her husband, they rallied around her and her family.
She taught us the value of family.

Mom had a smile and laugh that was contagious, she loved life and love to travel.
Days at the Jersey Shore with the Healys were monumental. Kay and Margaret traveled together often including Boston and Ireland. Acapulco vacations with Denis and Sondra were always a highlight. Annual family trips to Lake Geneva, with Kay screaming “slow the boat down,” still lingers!

Mom was a proud grandmother of seven.

She retired from Hofstra University when Ryan and Casey were born and commuted out east at 5 am every morning to take over, on her terms. Every Monday she declared that her whole routine was ruined in just two days. Every Friday she quit and laughed when we said, “see you Monday!” She was the grandmother telling twin stories every place she went. Getting a laugh out of the boys running in different directions as she chased them was her favorite to share.
Then KJ was born, her baby, she called him “shorty.” He got the last laugh on that one at 6’2. The only one who could get away with eating cereal on the couch, in his special corner, right before she grilled him with the week’s spelling words. Only a 100 percent was acceptable. A call was expected after school on Friday to confirm the grade. She had high expectations. When you accomplished a goal, she asked what was next. The bar was set high.
John Patrick joined her some mornings and declared that she had way too many rules, and he was right. He just wouldn’t let her get away with being the boss. This provided much entertainment to many. She enjoyed his spunk, similar to that of his father.
Tommy Jr was born on Nov 29th, a special day in the Healy family as it is the date his grandmother and grandfather passed away, over 40 years apart. He was so very special in her eyes as the 3rd generation, Thomas Healy. She had a “new baby,” each grandchild was a new beginning.
Her 6th grandson, Jimmy, shares her features, smile and inquisitive personality. She admired his tenacity, determination and ability to speak his mind. He too has an intuitiveness, always aware of things going on around him.
Last but not least! Mom finally got her granddaughter, Mary Katherine, who inherited her sense of spirit and leadership. Another boss lady in the making. Yet, kindhearted and a lover of animals, much like her grandmother.

Mom taught us about friendship, loyalty and Irish good times.
Kay played cards faithfully every Friday night with her good friends, Eileen, Anne and Elsa. They shared dinner, drinks, friendship and laughter. They spent a few weekends at Gavin’s Irish Inn dancing the nights away and marched in too many St. Patrick’s Day parades to remember. She was proud of her Irish heritage and cherished the sash labeled Ancient Order of Hibernians.

She enjoyed the simple things in life, family, friends and time spent together over a good meal. Sunday dinner was the only gift you could give her. In return, she gave unconditional love, always there when she was needed, one of the best listeners.

Kay has reunited with her husband, Tom. She is surrounded by the Healy family and her parents again. She is in a special place with special people. Once again, she was one of the last to leave the party. The lasting memory of mom is simple: a hard-working, passionate figure of strength who never waned in her support or love of her family, and who soldiered on, even when times were tough. The final lesson she taught everyone around her.