Kathleen Ann, 73, was born in Hastings, Nebraska, on June 23, 1944. She was the youngest of four; the only child to be born in a hospital to Arnold and Alvina Beiriger. While growing up in Hastings, Kathleen was a cheerleader and great scholar. She created life-long friendships and met the love of her life, John Kealy, when they were in elementary school; the two started dating in high school and formed an inseparable bond. Upon graduation, Kathleen moved to Omaha, where she pursued her passion for teaching and earned a certificate in elementary education. After her college career, John and Kathleen married on August 6, 1966. The young couple moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and welcomed their twin sons in 1967. Proud of her Nebraska roots, and drawn back to her family ties, Kathleen and John moved back to Hastings and expanded the family by three daughters. The Kealy family business brought them back to Arizona in 1981. Kathleen was proud to create a happy home and raise five beautiful children. Kathleen provided a home cooked breakfast every morning followed by an after school snack of ice cream smothered in chocolate syrup and ended the day with a warm-hearted dinner. She was also often found volunteering at her kid's schools. Kathleen was the rock of her family. Her passions included spending time at the beach in La Jolla, reading mysteries and watching Days of Our Lives. Above everything, her grandest title was 'grandma' to Tom, Dane, Keegan, Cole and Connor. After the loss of her husband, John, in 2007, and the unexpected passing's of her sons, Johnny in 2014, and Rick in 2016, Kathleen's heart was never the same and we were comforted with the thought that they are all together again. On January 9, 2018 after braving an unexpected illness, Kathleen passed away, surrounded by her family, in her home. Kathleen is survived by her three daughters, Kelly Kealy, Kerry Grimes (Travis), and Kristen Kealy Essary (Justin); she will be remembered as appreciative, caring, happy, and loving by her grandsons who will miss her dearly. As we kiss her one last time, we are sending mom home with a 'G'night', see you in the morning, God bless you!' A Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M., with a Rosary prayer at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Our Lady of the Angels Church at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her hospice care, THEMA Health Services, 1500 E. Bethany Home Road, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Published in The Arizona Republic from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17, 2018