Obituary of Katherine Mary Daly

“And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Katherine Mary Daly,(Bourke) 94, passed away peacefully on August 2 nd with her daughter at her side. Born on March 6, 1931 –(that’s the date on her birth certificate- although it was Feb 6 th ) just in time for St. Patrick’s Day - in Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland, she was the beloved daughter of the late Michael and Katherine Bourke.

At the age of 20, Katherine - fondly known as Kitty- courageously journeyed to the United States and made her home in East Orange, New Jersey. It was there she met the love of her life, Bernard (Bernie) Daly, and the rest was history. They shared a love of everything Irish. Including her world famous Irish Soda Bread. Together they built a beautiful life, residing in Newark, then East Orange, and eventually settling in Kearny in 1980.

Kitty was a woman of deep faith and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington. A devout Catholic, she was a quiet but constant source of strength for her family, friends, and community. She worked for many years at Prudential Insurance, and later as a devoted caretaker and homemaker. Her favorite role was wife and mom.

In her retirement years she loved working part time in Little Neighborhood Learning Center in Kearny as a “LAP GRANNY”.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Kitty was deeply involved in Irish-American organizations. She was a longtime member of the Women of Irish Heritage and faithfully served as secretary for The Independent Irish, where her spirit, dedication, and wit left a lasting impression. She has a twinkle in her eye and a natural way of making you feel loved and welcomed.

Although we are saddened by her passing, we know her love and Irish spirit will never fade.

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Theresa A. Daly, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, dear neighbors, and lifelong friends on both sides of the Atlantic. She was predeceased by her siblings Teresa Hynes, Michael, Thomas, and Patrick Bourke.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 5 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6th at 10 am at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Baldwin Road, Parsippany.  MASS WILL BE LIVESTREAMED.  CLICK HERE just before 10 am and scroll down to the livestream.   Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. 

Donations in Kitty's memory may be made to the good work of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or CHOP.