Katherine Taylor, 88
Katherine Ann “Kay” (Flinn) Taylor passed away of natural causes Feb. 2, 2023, with the love of family and the caring staff at Logan Health Whitefish. She lived a full life of love for family, friends, dogs, a strong faith and a deep desire and commitment to help other people.
Kay was born in 1935, in Helena, the fifth of five children born to Dr. James Flinn and Kathryn Meagher.
She attended St. Helena grade school, Cathedral High School and graduated from St. Mary’s Notre Dame with a degree in philosophy.
In 1958, she married Thomas Hanrahan of Glendive. The couple lived in Helena during their early years and had four children: Kathy, Rorie, Tom and Mamie.
The family relocated to Glendive, where she worked at Dawson Community College and after completing her certification in addiction counseling (licensure # 14th in the state) she offered addiction counseling to many across Eastern Montana.
Kay and Thomas later divorced and in 1978 she moved to Helena where she worked for the Montana Department of Corrections in addiction program compliance for the state. She later opened a private practice in addiction and family counseling until she retired in her 70s.
She had a deep faith life both spiritually and religiously. She volunteered with St. Helena's Cathedral as a cantor and was an active leader with the Cursillo movement.
Kay deeply loved Montana, its landscape, its people and was proud of her Irish Heritage and the ancestors that had come to Montana. One of them was Thomas Francis Meagher, the first territorial governor of Montana.
In her 60s, Kay met her great love, Dr. Jack Taylor, a retired MSU professor, whose avocations were music, writing, lecturing and traveling. Jack is also a foremost expert on Lewis and Clark. In 1995, the two married and created a wonderful life of music, entertaining, art, travel, river trips and picnics.
Kay will be remembered for her love of friends and family. Her brilliance and wisdom, her elegance, quick wit, musical talent, style, sense of adventure, love of convertibles, creator of beauty, kindness and being a warrior advocate for healing.
“I was well loved in my life and I believe I loved well. I felt very blessed to live in Montana all my life with appreciation for its beauty, people and quality of life.” — Kay Taylor
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James Flinn and Kathryn Flinn; her siblings, Pat Verwest, Shelia Kincannon and Micheal Flinn.
And survived by her husband Dr. Jack Taylor; her sister Mary Rathman (Stan); sister in-law- Doris Flinn; her children Kathy Crockett (Doug), Rorie Hanrahan, Tom Hanrahan and Mamie Flinn (Neil); and her grandchildren Micheal, Tyler, Dani, Bailey, Makenzie, Jacob, Katie, Grace and Abi. Also, her bonus children from Jack: Diana Norton (Gregg), Hillary Grant (Ian), David Taylor (Jaelyn); grandchildren Chelsea, Hannah, Riley, Nick, Quinn, Will; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service is planned for noon, April 20, in Helena at St. Helena Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers please consider a tax deductible donation to: Boyd Andrew Community Services60 Last Chance Gulch Helena Mt, 59601. Chris 1-406-447-3262.
To send online condolences please visit Kay’s tribute page at www.columbiamortuary.com Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.