Kathryn McGinley

Friday, Jan. 27, 2017

Jan. 30, 1950 – Jan. 17, 2017 

On Jan. 17, 2017, Kathryn McGinley, 66, peacefully surrendered to pancreatic cancer at home surrounded by loved ones. For over a year, she fought cancer bravely, participating in two clinical trials, doing her part to further cancer research. Through difficult times, she remained positive, always kept her sense of humor, faced each challenge with grace and dignity, and offered reassuring words to her family and friends.

Kathy was born on Jan. 30, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., the only child of Jack and Bertha Morrison. Her early adulthood was devoted to raising her children and spending time with close friends. In 1995, a chance reunion with Michael McGinley, a childhood friend, led to a loving courtship and marriage on Nov. 22, 2003. She and Mike shared the bond of childhood memories from New Jersey and in recent years returned to Metuchen and Plainfield to find their childhood homes, school, church and hangouts. Together they enjoyed sampling ethnic cuisine, spending quiet afternoons reading the New York Times and traveling to Italy, Paris, Ireland, Manhattan and Cape May, N.J., visiting friends and family along the way. They also enjoyed hosting large gatherings for their blended family and attending their grandchildren’s sporting events, recitals and school performances.

A valued employee at Shapiro’s and Nordstrom, she also volunteered at the YWCA, Judge Memorial Catholic High School and at the Hibernian Society of Utah. She ran seven half-marathons with the Huntsman Hometown Heroes, raising thousands of dollars to benefit research efforts. She loved knitting with friends and was proud to earn her “Ph.D.” in knitting by finishing an intricate and beautiful sweater. She also loved curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace. 

Kathy is survived by her husband, Mike McGinley; daughter Michelle Rasich (Marc); son Nico Nolan (Dr. Kelly Nolan); stepson Dr. Brian McGinley (Dr. Amy McCloskey McGinley); stepdaughter Heather McGinley Reid (Dax Reid); seven grandchildren; and extended family and many close friends, she considered family. She was predeceased by her parents and mother-in-law Gladys B. McGinley.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Jan. 21 at St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center.

Kathy’s family extend their deepest gratitude to her care team at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, especially Dr. Ignacio Garrido-Laguna and Dr. Anna Beck, their teams, and Craig from Community Nursing Services. In lieu of flowers a donation to Huntsman Hometown Heroes in her memory is requested.

Online condolences may be offered at www.starksfuneral.com.