ALBANY – Kathleen (Coyne) Donegan, 87, passed away on January 22, 2021 in St. Peters Hospital in Albany, NY. Born in Co. Galway, Ireland, she was the daughter of the late John Coyne and Mary Joyce of Maam Valley. She was predeceased by six siblings; Michael, Anthony, Joseph and Owen Coyne of London, England; her treasured sister Mary Grealy of Brisbane, Australia and brother Liam Coyne of Sydney, Australia. She remained a loyal sister and aunt to Martin Coyne and his family of her birthplace in Ireland. Kate was predeceased in 2019 by her beloved husband of 61 years, the late Patrick Donegan. Kate was the cherished mother of Mary Donegan-Ritter (Curt), Eugene Donegan (Ann), Gerri Donegan, and Jackie Treanor (Chris). She was the loving nana of Katie Rose, Patrick, James, Alayna, Owen and Aidan.
Kate finished school at age 15 and worked on the family farm in the Maamturk mountains. On weekends she visited her cousins and attended dances in Westport, Co. Mayo. The American film crews came to Connemara at this time to film “The Quiet Man”movie. Kate was enamored by The process and determined to move to America. Kate joined her older brothers and sister in London at age 18, working as a nursemaid. She met Patrick Donegan at a dance three years later, the first of many dances they would share together. They emigrated to NYC, married in 1958, and settled in Elmhurst, Queens. The family moved to Bayside in 1963 where they flourished for 56 years. Kate and Pat were active members of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish and fundraisers for the Columban Missionaries. Kate enjoyed church volunteer activities, dances at the Irish Center in Mineola, baking soda breads and scones, writing overseas letters, hosting cards parties, crocheting blankets, and traveling. Kate enjoyed many family reunions vacationing at Gavins in East Durham, NY. In 1975 Kate began a twenty year career as a nurse’s aide at Ozanam Hall Nursing Home, sharing her gift of caring for the frail elderly. In retirement, Pat and Kate made an annual trip to Ireland each March. In fall 2019, Pat and Kate moved to the Albany area. Kate became a proud resident ambassador at Atria Guilderland and was “Nana” to staff and residents alike. Kate was a native Gaelic speaker from the cradle, and shook her head at the textbook Irish younger generations spoke. Many friends commented she had the thickest Irish brogue ever heard. Ar dheis De go Raibh a h’anam dilis- May her joyful soul be on the right side of God.
Due to COVID restrictions, the funeral will be limited to family at St. Vincents Chuch. Burial will be at Mt. St. Marys Cemetery in Flushing, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Kates memory be honored by donations to St. Vincents Food Pantry, 900 Madison Avenue, Albany, New York 12208. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Kate’s funeral service at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Albany, NY.
Click here to view Kate’s resting place in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery, Flushing, NY.
Rosemary McManus Roscommon
To Mary, Geri, Eugene, and Jackie and the extended family.
I wish to extend my sympathy to you on the loss of your wonderful mother, Kathleen. I pray that God will comfort you all at this very difficult time.
Maria and Tom
Jackie and family: we are so sorry to learn of your Mom’s death. It was a blessing for you that she and your Dad were able to spend their last months close by you, Chris, Owen and Aidan. We are sure she felt blessed as well. May the wind be always at her back …
Esther Nicolaou nee Mc Manus
Our deepest condolences from Cyprus to all the Donegan family and the Coyne family on the passing of a such a wonderful lady. May the angles hold her close and that she may rest in peace with Uncle Pat.
Esther Nicolaou nee Mc Manus
Our deepest condolences from Cyprus to all the Donegan family and the Coyne family on the passing of a such a wonderful lady. May the angles hold her close and that she may rest in peace with Uncle Patrick.
Phyllis Pace
While I read with sadness of the passing of Kathleen, I know that my dear friend, Patrick is happy to be joined with his loving Kathleen. He is welcoming her day with his exuberant smile, and ready to serve her with her morning tea. My dear Patrick, I think you of you often and light a candle every morning before the start of mass. Now, you and Kathleen are looking down on us as you say the rosary together. Know that both of you will be in my daily prayers. Always in my heart, Phyllis P.
Ann Diamond
My heartfelt sympathy. It was a joy to know Kate atAtria.
Michael Duggan
Dear Mary, Eugene, Gerri and Jackie,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your families on the passing of your mom. Her legacy will live on; her joyous smile and hearty laugh will remain in our hearts forever. I shall always cherish the days of our youth growing up together in Flushing and Bayside, and all the wonderful memories shared over the years, with your parents, along with Uncle Sean, Tony and Agnes. I can imagine them all being reunited together again somewhere beyond the pearly gates, looking back with pride on their contributions to all our lives and the generations to follow. May their love, faith and laughter remain with us for the rest of our days. Warmest Wishes.
Dorothy and Bob Hickey
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady. Kathleen, I could hear your Patrick singing those songs to you! We prayed for Kathleen at mass this morning at St. Robert’s. Although saddened, everyone said “She’s back with Patrick “. As the song said, she’s gone home. God bless you all.
Dorothy and Bob Hickey
Thomas Donegan
Jackie, Geri, Mary, Eugene, extended family, Coyne family, sincere condolences to you all, Kathleen a wonderful mother an aunt is at peace now with Patrick. May God bless you and help you during this difficult time.
RIP Kathleen..
Nuala Donegan.
Jackie, Gerri, Mary, Eugene, extended family, Coyne family. Our heartfelt and sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of dear Kathleen. May her gently soul rest in peace.
Martina Coyne & Dermot Murtagh, Navan, Co. Meath
Solas Mhic Dé ar a n-anam.
Our Deepest Condolences to all the Donegan Family.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Liam Mc Manus
Liam here, it was with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Kathleen, may her gentle soul rest in peace. Please pass on my condolences to her son Eugene, daughters, Mary , Gerri, and Jackie. From their cousin Liam in Eire.
The Grealy Family
To the Donegan Family, sending our sincere condolences at the loss of your lovely Mom and Nana, Kathleen, she was very special! Mary (her Sister) had such a great bond with Kathleen, we have them both to thank for our lovely connection in life. I live in hope that Kathleen is now joined with Patrick and all her loved ones. May she rest in peace! Love from the Grealy Family xxx
Helen tynan
Condolences to Mary, Gerri,Eugene,Jackie and your families on the passing of your mother and my best and dearest friend for the past 52 years. I miss her agus go mbeirmid beo ar the am seo arish.
(Until we meet again). Love and prayers. Helen Tynan
Nancy Mullady Sampson
Words are completely inadequate at a time like this. Mrs. Donegan was a shinning light of 206th Street , Bayside and now her brilliance will light heaven. Fond childhood memories of Mr. & Mrs. Donegan & family. You have my deepest sympathies.
Kat Buckley Schiano
Dear Mary and All the Donegan Family,
It is never easy to say Good Bye to an Irish Mom for they are the most loving and kind.
I remember your Mom with a twinkle in her eyes and full of laughter. The song I’ll take you home again Kathleen seems fitting right now.
Thankfully we have a promise of eternal life , and we can look forward to being reunited with our loved ones.
May Hod Hold You in the Hollow of His Hand.
Much Love, Kat Buckley Schiano
Sherri Peterson
What a lovely tribute to a much-loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Carol Tyrell
Jackie and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult period of transition. May the memories of the joy and love that you experienced with your mom/grand keep her light shining eternally in your hearts. Sprinkle her joy wherever you travel
Norah McCann
A beautiful tribute to a proud Galway Girl. Condolences to all of her devoted family.
Jim and Norah McCann