Obituary of Kathryn Heaney

Heaney, Kathryn 91, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2017. Kathryn was predeceased by her husband Anthony (1960) and daughter Peggy (1987). She is survived by her children DJ (Patty), Onnie and Chris, her grandchildren Heather, Jennifer, Michael, Kristina and Matthew, her great granddaughter Olivia and her chosen daughter Sharon Bunkenburg. Kathryn was born in Bayside, Queens, New York and moved to Rochester, New York after her marriage to Anthony. She was unexpectedly widowed at the age of 34 and left to raise four small children as a single parent in the 1960's. She worked full-time as an Executive Assistant to the Director of the Mental Health Association. Kathryn was a feminist before feminism was in vogue. She settled in Tucson, AZ in the late 1970's where she pursued a college education at the age of 52. She became active in women's programs through the University and worked with the PHASE program (The Project for Homemakers in Arizona Seeking Employment), first as a participant, then as an advocate. She considered this one of her proudest achievements. Kathryn believed in lifelong learning and made several trips with Elder Hostel. She enjoyed traveling and on a family trip to Ireland was thrilled to visit the town her grandmother emigrated from. She was an avid reader and loved to stay current watching PBS and politics. Kathryn was fiercely independent and with the assistance of her daughter was able to stay in her own apartment up until a year ago. She never lost her ability to see the humor in life and her wit and laughter will be greatly missed. The Heaney children would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Maria Mateo and her staff at Las Palmas assisted living and to Family Hospice Care in Tucson for their compassionate and loving care of their mom. Private arrangements entrusted to Adair Funeral Homes. To honor Kathryn, Memorial donations may be made to The Haven, 1107 Adelaide Drive, Tucson, AZ 85719.