Kathryn “Katchie” Keenoy Murdoch, 91, of West Caldwell, NJ passed away peacefully at Cranes Mill on March 1st 2021.
Kathryn was born on May 6, 1929 to the late Eugene Keenoy and Kathryn (Hurley) Keenoy. She attended Centenary College and raised her family in Glen Ridge, but remained always a “Bloomfield Girl”, ever proud of her hometown.
Kathryn’s Catholic faith was very important to her, always reaching out and helping others in need. She was a devoted Hospice care giver, was very active in her Sacred Heart parish, and generously donated office space to Birth Right located above the family business (JT Murdoch Shoes).
Above all, Kathryn was an amazing mother to 7 children. Her love of music was an important part of family life. You would always hear tunes playing throughout the house, while cooking in the kitchen, singing at the piano, listening to records or watching musicals.
Though not a professional teacher, teaching was clearly Kathryn’s calling. She loved learning and shared that with her family who will dearly miss receiving articles, book recommendations, stock tips and financial planning advice.
Kathryn was a gracious hostess, welcoming teen sleepovers, Glen Ridge High School graduation parties as well as backyard weddings, always making everyone feel welcome and incredibly well fed. Kathryn made a conscious effort getting to know people and remembering them at important times in their lives.
Kathryn was predeceased by her devoted parents Eugene and Kathryn Keenoy, beloved brothers Eugene Jr. and Charles, and husband John T. Murdoch.
Kathryn is survived by her 7 loving children: Ann Schautz and her husband Ken, Kathryn Murdoch, Liz Meeker, Ellen Brennan and her husband Peter, Jean Buttitta and her husband Frank, Jay Murdoch and Mary Murdoch; her 11 wonderful grandchildren: Matthew Finamore and wife Gina, Kelly Pannullo and husband Guerino, Billy Schautz and wife Katharyn, Jim Morrow, Yolanda Buttitta, Catiana Ferranti and husband Disma, Susana Buttitta, Harry Murdoch, Julia Murdoch, Richard Foster and Owen Hannigan; and her 9 joyful great grandchildren: Ava and Brandon Finamore, Emma Kathryn and Leah Pannullo, Olivia Schautz, Jamail and Selena Holmes, Zanovia Lindsey and Jovi Ferranti.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart, 76 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 with Father Peter Iwuala officiating. The burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Bloomfield, NJ.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to O’Boyle Funeral Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.oboylefuneralhome.com/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathryn’s name to RWJ Barnabas Health Hospice, 95 Old Short Hills Rd, West Orange, NJ 07052. www.vnahg.org/support-hospice/