Kathleen Mooney, 93
Kathleen Mooney “Coleen,” “Nana,” was born in Cork City, Ireland, on July 1, 1929, the third of seven children granted to Timothy and Kate Buckley. She was born in the family home situated above the Alaska Bar owned by her father which he purchased after spending 20 years mining gold in the Klondike. She spent an idyllic childhood running around the streets and bridges of Cork City learning a greatness of heart from her famously loving mother and the value of hard work and service to others from her father, qualities which she carried throughout her life. She attended the Irish National School where, among other things, Ms. Looney taught her Gaelic and the Catholic faith. When once asked in school what she thought was wrong with the world, young Kathleen confidently announced “Not enough people say their morning offering!” Thus began a candor of speech and depth of faith that she carried throughout her life.
At 17, she boarded the Marine Jumper, a converted Marine troop ship, along with her sister Maura in search of opportunity in the United States. After settling in Washington, D.C., she soon began her career as a secretary which spanned almost 50 years. Her resume included many institutions such as the Irish Embassy, National Association of Realtors, and the World Bank. Eventually, the rest of her Irish family followed her to D.C. where she lived with them until her marriage. The Buckley family brought with them the Irish culture of faith, fun and humor. Nana and her fun-loving sisters were known to roll up a rug or push aside a table any time the occasion called for an Irish jig. They once danced for the opening of one of the major bridges in Washington, D.C., for the price of a cab fare. Her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren still sing the many Irish songs she taught them to love.
When she was 27, she married a full-blooded Irish man, Gerald Mooney, and together they raised two daughters in Falls Church, Virginia. In her retirement, she enjoyed murder mysteries, the company of her many friends, and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. Her ever generous heart gave much to the pro-life cause and she spent a lot of spare time knitting bandages for victims of Hansen’s disease.
Seven years ago, the time came when Nana needed to be surrounded with more family, so she moved West again; this time with her brother John Buckley ( Uncle Emmett) to Coram, where together they lived out their last years in the home of her daughter Theresa with much humor and grace. Throughout those treasured years, she shared much love and wisdom with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nana’s example of patience in suffering and enduring love of Christ was her last immeasurable gift to her family who loved and valued her more than words can say.
Kathleen passed away in her home on July 17, 2022, at 93 years of age. She was preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Kate Buckley, her brothers Conn Buckley, Bert Buckley and John Buckley, and her sister Vera Buckley, as well as her husband Gerald Mooney.
She is survived by her daughters Ann Venegas (Gallup, New Mexico) Theresa Dalimata (Coram), her sisters Phyllis Gallagher and Maura Weisenberger and her 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
A viewing and rosary will be held at Columbia Mortuary today, July 21, at 6 p.m., and the funeral will be held at St. Richard Parish at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 22.