THE CASEY FAMILY IS HONORED TO BE CARING FOR AND ASSISTING THE FAMILY OF KATHRYN LYMAN
Dedicated Wife, Loving Mother and Beloved Grandmother
WATERTOWN - Kathryn Marie (Tangney) Lyman, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26, 2021 at her home after a brief illness. She was the devoted wife and best friend of Joseph R. Lyman whom she married in 1966 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Waterbury. Kay and Joe recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Kay was born August 11, 1941 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Charles R. and Anna C. (Moran) Tangney. Sadly, Kay lost her mother when she was 12 years old. She was also the granddaughter of the late Michael F. and Mary Johanna (Malley) Tangney who immigrated from Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland to Waterbury. She was raised in Waterbury and graduated from Hopeville Elementary and Wilby High School prior to making her life in Watertown.
Prior to starting a family, Kay happily worked at Worth's Department Store in downtown Waterbury. She was a long-time communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Watertown.
Kay enjoyed traveling with her family, especially her grandsons. Special destinations were Niagara Falls, NY, Newport, RI, Cape Cod, MA, Washington, DC but most all of all, New York City, NY, where she spent many happy times shopping, watching the Radio City Rockettes, and dining at The Palm. She also appreciated quiet times at home. One of the highlights of her early life was on November 6, 1960 when she joined 50,000 Waterbury locals on the Green, waiting until 3 a.m. to hear John F. Kennedy speak from the balcony of the former Elton Hotel; she talked about this experience often as she was surprised that her father gave her permission to be out of the house so late that night! She relished the time spent shopping and having lunch with her daughters; it was often the highlight of her week. Spending time with her grandsons was a priority for Kay; she attended many events over the years, whether it was school or sports but she was particularly fond of watching the Christmas concerts at her grandsons' school as they brought her great joy. Locally, she could hardly wait for the next production at the Palace Theater; one of her favorite productions was Jersey Boys. She enjoyed dinner and social events with her family and friends. The holidays were always special occasions for Kay. She enjoyed her life until the very end-and it was a life well lived!
Kay was proud to be Irish Catholic; it brought happiness and joy to her life. Each St. Patrick's Day, Kay could be found in the kitchen cooking an enormous corned beef and cabbage dinner for her entire family, Her faith was a priority in her life. She was a kind person who always respected others and carried a positive attitude throughout her life. Her radiant smile, warm hello and pleasant easygoing nature were all consistent characteristics that described her demeanor.
In addition to her husband, Joe, Kay is survived by her daughter, Susan and her husband John Santopietro and her daughter, Sandra and her husband James Brodeur all of Watertown and her grandsons, Patrick Brodeur and Ryan Santopietro. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Lucille Tangney of Waterbury and her very dear cousin, Jo-Ann Brasche, of Oakville.
She was predeceased by her brother Michael J. Tangney formerly of Waterbury as well as many cousins and close friends. A special and heartfelt thanks to Kay's primary caregiver, Fonda for her patience, dedication, kindness and caring during Kay's final journey.
Arrangements: Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the O'Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main St, Oakville. Her funeral will be on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 9 a.m. from O'Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main St. Oakville, to St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main St, Watertown for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, 599 Platt Rd, Watertown. The O'Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main St, Oakville is in charge of arrangements. To honor Kathryn's memory, the family asks that for those that wish, make contributions to St. Mary Magdalen School, 140 Buckingham St, Oakville, CT 06779. Memories last only if you share them, so you are encouraged to leave a condolence, words of comfort or personal memory with the Lyman family on Kathryn's tribute page at
www.oneillfuneralhome.com
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