Kathryn Straney Hallahan

Kathryn (“Kay”) Straney Hallahan, 81, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister-in-law, Aunt and friend, passed away suddenly on September 27, 2023.

Born in New York City on July 17, 1942, Kay lived in New York until 1977 when she moved with her children to North Carolina and resided until the summer of 1989 when she moved back to New York to begin her career at 26 Federal Plaza as a Federal Employee for the Department of Health and Human Services, retiring after 20+ years of dedicated service in 2012 when Kay moved back to North Carolina.

Kay was a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church who loved Jesus as our Lord and Savior and Friend. Whether serving as a Stephen Minister or as just a neighbor or friend, Kay was a humble servant who tirelessly devoted herself to providing care and compassion for those in need.

One day at a time, Kay was sober for 39 years. Her journey in recovery has been an inspiration for anyone struggling with alcoholism or addiction and Kay made sure she extended her hand to anyone, anywhere, who reached out for help, serving as a beacon of hope and strength.

Kay was an extremely talented singer, whose passion for music was evident from an early age. As a young child she would spend hours at a time in the bathroom, singing with her sheet music – or listening to Hit Parade on the radio. As a teenager, on weekends, Kay would take the train from Howard Beach, NY to Yonkers, NY where she would train with Jimmy Dale during the day and go out to perform in the evenings.  Later as a young adult, she graced the stages of Jazz or Blues clubs of NYC, including the Elegante in Brooklyn, NY with the likes of Hank D’Amico and Grady Tate.

Most of all, Kay loved Jesus, her Family and friends and made sure to let each one know just how much.  She loved them fiercely and cherished every moment spent with them.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Straney (Crowe); sisters, Patricia Straney and Helen Jakubowski; brothers, Ed Straney, and Jim Straney (and sister-in-law Charlotte); son, Michael Ré; and son-in-law, Chuck Herriott (Kelly). 

Her memory is cherished by her daughters, Kelly Ré-Herriott and Diane Hallahan; her son, Robert Hallahan and his wife Danielle; daughter-in-law, Denise (Michael); grandchildren, Brittany Ré Bradley (Austin), Tommy Ré, and Anthony Ré; and great-grandchildren, Isabella Bradley and Kristopher Bradley; sister-in-law, Anita Straney (Ed); brother-in-law, Stan Jakubowski (Helen); as well her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  A viewing and visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service, and the family will receive friends from 12:00 - 1:30 PM following the mass as well.