Kathleen Ann Murray (nee Olson)

Kathleen (Kathy) Ann Murray passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by family in Cincinnati, the city she called home all her life.

Born on July 20, 1952, to Bernie and Edna (McBreen) Olson, Kathy grew up as the cherished baby sister of William (Bill) Olson and Gary Olson. She adored her big brothers, filling their lives with laughter, love, and her free-spirited energy.

Kathy was the beloved mother of Jessica Ison (Brad) and Kristina Cadle (Roger), and the proud grandmother – lovingly known as “Mowa” – of Connor (10), Parker (8), Hailey (6), and Liam (4 months), her greatest joys. The name “Mowa,” first spoken by her grandson Connor, captured her one-of-a-kind nature perfectly.

To Kathy, family was everything. She never missed a game, recital, or birthday party. She was always the first to arrive and last to leave, camera in hand and heart wide open. She showed her love through countless quiet acts of care: sewing torn socks, baking with Hailey in matching aprons, cheering for Connor and Parker from the sidelines, planting flowers with the kids every spring, and rocking baby Liam to sleep.

Gentle, patient, and kind to her core, Kathy refused to harm even the smallest creature, often carrying bugs outside to safety. She loved flowers, butterflies, and the simple beauty of nature, always reminding others to stop and appreciate simple moments. She was the family’s “fixer” – of socks, zippers, and hearts.

Kathy’s determination shone throughout her life, from her early years as a skilled seamstress to her later success in business. But her proudest work was always the love and care she poured into her family. Her daughters remember her as the mom who somehow did it all – working full days and still finding the energy to help with homework, read bedtime stories, and make each day feel special. One of her favorite books, My Little Book of Poems, became a family treasure now shared with her grandchildren.

Kathy had a sentimental heart. She saved every photo, every piece of artwork, and every keepsake. She loved deeply and held on tightly – to the people, places, and things that truly meant something to her. That same tenderness shaped the way she lived: full of empathy, loyalty, and joy. She saw beauty in everything and everyone.

To her daughters, Kathy was more than a mother; she was their best friend, confidant, and greatest source of strength. She was the heart of the family, and her love will continue to surround them, always.

For the past twenty years, she shared her life with her forever dancing partner, Patrick Hartigan, whose love and companionship brought her great happiness. She is also lovingly remembered by her ex-husband James Murray, with whom she shared her daughters.

Though her family’s hearts are broken, they take comfort in knowing her light will never fade. Her love lives on – in every photo she took, every flower she planted, every story told by those who loved her most.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Bernie and Edna Olson; her brother Bill and sister-in-law Paula Olson; and her brother- and sister-in-law Mike and Denise Murray. She is survived by her brother Gary (Anne) Olson; partner Patrick Hartigan; daughters Jessica (Brad) Ison and Kristina (Roger) Cadle; grandchildren Connor, Parker, Hailey, and Liam; ex-husband James Murray; brother- and sister-in-law Greg and Judy Murray; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her laughter, warmth, and gentle soul.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., at St. Cecilia Church, 3105 Madison Road, Cincinnati. A Celebration of Life will follow the Funeral Mass, where family and friends will gather to honor her beautiful spirit. Details will be shared at the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to plant something in her memory – just as she planted love and beauty wherever she went.

Rest peacefully, Mom and Mowa. You are our sunshine forever.

Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com