Kay Kennedy Duncan

Albany, NY- Kay Kennedy Duncan was born on February 15, 1935, in Coon Rapids (Carroll County) Iowa, the daughter of Cecille and Clarence Kennedy, and one of four children. After her school years in Coon Rapids, she graduated from Loretto Heights College in Denver, Colorado. Moving further west to southern California, she taught school and then met her future husband David Duncan, an officer in the U.S. Navy. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Coronado, California on February 24, 1962, and were husband and wife for nearly sixty years. Moving to Albany, David’s hometown, they raised together their family of four children- Jason, Mark, Edward and Sara. Kay was a devoted, loving and generous mother who always offered encouragement, support and prayers for her children as they made their way in the world. Kay later went to work for the Albany County Department of Social Services, where she met D.J. Ciota and Jeanne Fitzpatrick, with whom she became close friends. She was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish (now Mater Christi) for more than sixty years, serving the parish and school and volunteering her time in a variety of capacities. She was devoted to her family and friends and made frequent trips to the Midwest over the years to re-connect with her relatives there and to attend school and college reunions. She greatly enjoyed being at the ocean, including family vacations to Cape Cod. She liked to read – especially fiction- and travel, often in search of antiques. Among her travels were three trips to her ancestral homeland of Ireland. Kay was an avid and skilled player of the game of bridge. Her hobbies also included watching older t.v. programs like the Andy Griffith Show. She had a genuine courage and great sense of perseverance that helped her through times of adversity. In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sisters Jane Kennedy and Joan Cooney, and survived by her four children, her brother Mark Kennedy, son in law Dan Bergin, daughters in law Mary Ann, Pam and Amy Duncan, several nieces, and eight grandchildren- Heather, Patrick, Nicholas, Kae Lin, Emily, Brendan, Leo and Jack. Her family and friends will miss her deeply and look forward to being reunited with her. Kay’s family would like to thank her caregivers- Tracey Ambesi, Jenee Monell, and Jessica Gonzalez (the Hallenbeck team). Kay’s family is forever grateful for their dedication and compassion to Kay during this last difficult year. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Kay’s family Wednesday, September 27, 2023 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 am at The Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street, Albany, NY 12208 where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY. To leave a message for her family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Kay in a special way may send a contribution to Mater Christi School, 35 Hurst Ave., Albany, NY 12208.

Tributes

Kay Kennedy Duncan

February 15, 1935 - September 23, 2023