Catherine "Kathleen" McLoughlin (née Kellett) entered into her eternal rest on October 1, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family.
Born and raised in Virginia, County Cavan, Ireland, Kathleen made the courageous journey across the Atlantic to America in 1958. Shortly after arriving, she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" McLoughlin, at a Bronx Irish social. The two were blessed with nearly 60 years of marriage, building a life anchored in unwavering devotion, shared Irish heritage, and deep joy until Bob’s passing in 2024.
For 45 years, Kathleen and Bob made their home in the Bronx. For 20 of those cherished years, they shared a home with Kathleen’s sister Maureen, brother-in-law John, and nieces Catherine and Patricia. It was during these special years that the family came to know "AK" (Aunt Kathleen or Auntie Kate) in all her extraordinary beauty. She poured a mother’s devotion into her nieces, treating them as her very own daughters and leaving an indelible mark of kindness on their hearts. AK’s warmth filled every corner of the home, whether she was sharing a comforting cup of tea in her sister’s kitchen or on the deck, gathering everyone around for her famous Irish stew and Sunday dinners, or delighting the grand-nephews with her playful "Ishcabibble" stories.
A woman of extraordinary strength and quiet courage, Kathleen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the tender age of 28. Yet, despite physical challenges, she chose to live her life gracefully and never once uttered a complaint. Her ultimate medicine was a healthy diet and her unwavering faith in God, and she remained a perpetual ray of sunshine with a smile that could light up any room. Professionally, she brought that same dedication and work ethic to The New York Times, where she worked for 17 years before her retirement.
Kathleen’s life was defined by her devout spiritual life and her heart for others. She attended daily Mass faithfully and was an active parishioner at Saint Margaret of Cortona Parish in the Bronx and later at Our Lady of Knock Parish in East Durham, New York. Deeply committed to her Catholic faith, she was a dedicated member of the Legion of Mary and the Respect to Life Committee, steadfastly advocating for the unborn and supporting charities for children. Together with Bob, she made several meaningful spiritual pilgrimages to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was, quite simply, the most selfless and kind soul, living her life as a true witness to God's love.
Kathleen is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Robert J. McLoughlin, her dear brother-in-law, John T. Dunleavy and great-grand nephew, Addison Bishop.
She leaves behind a rich legacy of faith and family. She is survived by her loving sister, Maureen Dunleavy of Riverdale, New York; her brother, Sean Kellett of Virginia, County Cavan, Ireland; her cherished nieces, Catherine Holzman, Patricia Bishop, Jeanne Militana, and Catherine Kellett (Co. Cavan); her nephews, Gerard Kellett (Co. Cavan), Richard Mc Loughlin, and Robert Mc Loughlin; as well as 13 beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and 9 great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews.
Kathleen’s gentle spirit, radiant smile, and boundless love will be deeply missed, but her grace will remain forever etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
Reposing will take place on Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bronx NY. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, October 7th at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Ave, Bronx NY. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.