Kathleen “Kathy” Theresa May, 92, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of New York, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022, at the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where a visitation will follow until 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, with Reverend David O’Connor officiating. Inurnment will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Kathy was born on September 5, 1929, in the Washington Heights section of New York City, New York, to James and Catherine (Doyle) Kelly. Her family moved east, first to Astoria, Queens, and then to Elmont on Long Island. She graduated from Sewanhaka High School and attended Adelphi University and Suffolk County Community College. Kathy had several jobs. Those who knew her will not be surprised that Kathy’s least favorite was in the customer service department of the New York Telephone Company, where she fielded complaints from customers trying to buy telephones during a shortage just after World War II. She went on to work for Sperry Gyroscope Company, where she met field engineer Frank May. Kathy and Frank were married in 1958 and lived on Long Island until 1994. They moved to East Northport and had two daughters, Kathleen Clare and Cynthia Anne. Once her children were independent, Kathy returned to work and enjoyed many years working for optometrists and ophthalmologists at the Northport Veterans Hospital.
Kathy was a proud Democrat. She was a talented knitter and an amazing cook. Bill W. was very influential in Kathy’s life. She was an inspiration to her family, who loved her immensely.
Kathy is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Kathleen May and Cynthia Stevenson; son-in-law, Kelly Stevenson; and three grandchildren, Ian, James, and Annie.
Kathy will join her parents and husband, Frank, in heaven.
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