IN MEMORIAM: Kathleen F. Howarth, 93;
Farmer Helped Found W. Kortright Center
ONEONTA – Kathleen F. Howarth, 92, a founder of the West Kortright Center, formerly of Meredith and Oneonta, passed away Feb. 6, 2019, in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she had resided since June 2017.
Kathleen was born Oct. 18, 1926, in New Rochelle, the daughter of immigrants, John and Anne (nee Hackett) Feeney. She was a graduate of St. Gabriel’s High School there.
On April 18, 1949, she married Owen Howarth at Holy Family Church, New Rochelle. Owen predeceased her March 31, 2013.
In her early years, she was a representative for the New York Telephone Company. In 1951, she and Owen bought a dairy farm, raised a herd of registered Holsteins and operated a maple syrup business.
For 14 years, Kathleen was on the executive staff of the Indian Hills Girl Scout Council.
In retirement, she served on the boards of Catholic Charities of Delaware & Otsego Counties, Delhi Senior Community Apartment Complex and Meredith Historical Society. As one of the founders of the West Kortright Center, she was designated director emeritus in 1995 in honor of her 40 years of dedication.
In addition, she served on the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities for the Albany diocese and was active in the Meredith Democratic Club, Meredith Senior Citizens, St. Theresa’s Chapel Group and St. Mary’s Church.
Following her retirement, Kathleen and Owen traveled to many countries including multiple visits to Ireland to see family.
Kathleen is survived by four grandchildren in Arizona, Lucas (wife, Jenna), Ian, Colin and Caitlin (husband, Jaret) and great-grandchild, Emma Miller. She is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Young and Anne Feeney; nieces, Laurie Simons (husband, Alan) and Mary Beth Young; and special friend, Christa Keller. Survivors also include numerous extended southern family members and cousins in Ireland and Canada.
Kathleen was predeceased by both her children, daughter, Mary Elizabeth (1970) and son, Mark (2016).
A funeral mass will be offered at 11 a.m., Friday, May 3, at St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons, directly following mass.
Friends and family are invited to a reception after the burial service from 2 to 5 p.m., the details for which will be announced at the service.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen’s name to Catholic Charities, 176 S. Main St. Oneonta, NY 13820, or a charity of one’s choice.