By the family

Jan. 17, 2024: Catherine Meaney (nee Roberts), age 87, resident of Bronxville, New York, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024. 

Kitty, as she was always known, was predeceased by her husband Flannan in September 2023 and by her son Brian (Maureen Farrell) in July 2023.  She is survived by her children Mary (Gregory Molloy), Eileen, Susan (Peter Incledon), and Frank (Alice); her grandchildren Margaret and Brendan Molloy, Megan, Caroline and Conor Incledon, and Aidan, Brian, and Christopher Meaney; great-granddaughter Clare Kavanaugh; and by her sisters Linda Murdy, Betty Carolan, Louie Mack, and brother Gerard Roberts, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews here and in Ireland.  Kitty was also predeceased by her sisters Nellie and Patsy, and brothers Christy, Frank, John, and Harry.

Kitty grew up in Ennis, County Clare as one of 11 children in a small thatched cottage, which must have been overflowing, even more so, as various aunts, uncles and grandparents lived there at times as well. Kitty graduated from high school and went on to nursing school in England. In 1960, she headed to New York as a nurse at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. Attending a Clare dance at Gaelic Park, she met her soon-to-be husband Flan. Five children came in quick succession.

Despite the demands of raising five children, Kitty continued to work as an RN, now at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. Kitty had clearly chosen the right career because she was exactly the person you would want to look after you if you were sick. With her patients as well as her family and friends, she was kind and gentle, with a soft and calming presence. 

Kitty was a doting grandmother to her eight grandchildren. She was always relaxed, never rushed, and completely interested in what was going on in their lives. She was fun to be with, and very funny, and had a cheerful, pleasant demeanor. This year, she was so happy to be able to meet her new great-granddaughter. Since her retirement 25 years ago, Kitty enjoyed spending her summers in Ireland, visiting with all the family there, and having her grandchildren come to visit.

Quiet pursuits were her enjoyment. She loved to putter in the garden, to read a good book, a shopping trip, lunch included, and to enjoy a nice chat and cup of tea with her family or friends. She truly enjoyed the people she was with, and they always felt that.

Viewing will be on Monday, January 15th, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at McGrath Funeral Home, Bronxville, New York. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville.