Mary Katherine "Kathy"
Connolly


October 8, 1956 - August 31, 2019

Mary Katherine “Kathy” Connolly, formerly of Birmingham, AL, died Saturday, August 31, 2019 at her home in St. Florian, AL after a battle with bile duct cancer.

Kathy was born October 8, 1956 to William James Connolly Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Berrens Connolly. She attended St. Michael’s Catholic School, St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Bradshaw High School where she lettered in archery.

She graduated from Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She enjoyed a career as a cytotechnologist in the UAB Hospital Pathology Department, where she retired in 2009.

After retirement, Kathy became a Master Gardener, volunteering her time at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where she was a member of the Fern Society and an officer for the Master Gardner Club.

Kathy lived life to the fullest and went of many adventurers over the years. She was a rock climber, skydiver, diamond prospector, ice climber, snow skier, canoe paddler, avid hiker, concert goer and belly dancer. She was fond of the American Southwest, especially New Mexico and the Four Corners area.

She was a member of the Irish Society of Charlotte, NC and proud of her Irish heritage. Kathy volunteered extensively over the years in Birmingham serving as a polling place worker, at Sidewalk Film Festivals, on WBHM fund drives and as a pourer at Birmingham Beer Fest. She was a loyal attendee of the City Stages Festival. Kathy was a creative crocheter, making many beautiful gifts for family and friends. She was also skilled at weaving pine needle baskets.

Kathy’s enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring. She brought joy into the lives of everyone around her. She was a loving daughter, her brothers’ favorite sister and the best aunt imaginable. She was a devoted friend and cousin and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Jim Connolly. She is survived by her mother, Betty Connolly, her brothers and sisters in law Dr. William and Neena Connolly, Paul and Sondra Connolly, John and Vicky Connolly, Timothy and Kelley Connolly, Kevin Connolly and Roxanne Brown, Christopher and Laura Connolly, Dr. Matthew and Melanie Connolly, Michael and Amy Connolly. She is also survived by her beloved and spoiled nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous cousins.

The family extends special thanks to Aaron Connolly and Ken Niermann, for their compassion as Kathy’s primary caregivers during her battle with cancer. Special thanks to the gastrological cancer team at Vanderbilt Hospital, and Shawna Stanfield of Kindred Care Hospice for their care of Kathy.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 3rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in St. Florian followed by a Rosary service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, September 4th at 10:00 a.m.at the church. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Nieces and nephews will serve a pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Isiah’s Call, Birmingham Botanical Gardens or WBHM Public Radio.



Visitation

September 3, 2019
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Rosary to follow at 8:00 p.m.

Visitation

St Michael Catholic Church, County Road 30, Florence, AL, USA

September 3, 2019 6:00 pm

Get Directions

Mass of Christian Burial

September 4, 2019
10:00 am

Burial to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery

Mass of Christian Burial

St Michael Catholic Church, County Road 30, Florence, AL, USA

September 4, 2019 10:00 am

Get Directions

9 Comments on “Mary Katherine "Kathy" Connolly”

  1. Please accept our deepest condolences. Kathy was a fine, brave, remarkable person. She is missed.

  2. My prayers are with the Connolly family. I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a beautiful and kind lady.

  3. To all the family, so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers over these next several days. Be comforted by the fact she is now in the loving arms of Jesus and worshiping our Lord and Savior with you Dad!

  4. To all of Kathy’s family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. May she be at peace with our risen Lord.

  5. Condolences to the Connolly family.
    I only met Kathy a few times but she was such a Happy Fun person.
    She will be missed.
    Ruth Ann Park

  6. Kathy and I both worked at UAB and after we both retired, we were active
    Master Gardeners. She was a Renaissance woman with varied interests.
    I enjoyed her friendship immensely. Sincere condolences to her family.

  7. Praying for the Connolly family. May you all feel God’s loving Presence and Comfort during this time.

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