Kathleen “Kathy” Healy Ligday, 85, of Zelienople, passed away on July 16, 2024.
A native of Bradford, she was the only child of Marion (Wharton) and Gordon Healy. Gregarious and fun loving, Kathy spent her youth amongst many cousins and friends. She often attended dances donning mother-made poodle skirts, enjoyed outdoor fun like skiing, and cheered on the Bradford Bees baseball team with her adoring father.
Upon graduating from St. Bernard High School in 1957, she received a degree in Dietetics at Mount Mercy (now Carlow University) and embarked on her lifelong career as a dietician.
Settling in the Pittsburgh area, Kathy's friend suggested a double date to a football game. Through Divine Providence, she met the man who she would eventually share 55 years of marriage. She married Francis “Fritz” Ligday, Jr. in 1969, and set to work building their family in a modest home in Harmony. It’s under this roof that their two sons, Francis and Stephen, experienced and witnessed their mother’s unconditional devotion and selflessness. Firm but fair, Kathy instilled virtues of commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic through a life of humility. However, she was immensely proud of her boys, encouraging and embracing their passions and always cheering from the sidelines. She never missed the opportunity to draft a 'blub' for the local paper highlighting their accomplishments.
Immensely social with a wonderful take-charge attitude, Kathy’s influence stretched far beyond her four walls. Kathy's impassioned sense of civic duty led to a myriad of positions in public service and volunteer work around the community. Kathy served as Auditor and Supervisor for Lancaster Township, was a long-time member and president of the St. Ann's Guild and, until recently, volunteered at the Historic Harmony and Passavant Home gift shops. Kathy's professional life also centered on others, working many years in geriatric dietary care, taught dietetics at Slippery Rock University, and a short stint managing the cafeteria at Quigley Catholic High School. She was very proud of her 50-year membership in the American Dietetic Association. Kathy was a community gem.
A consummate socialite, her Irish roots never allowed her to turn down a gathering, whether attending a play with her girlfriends, exploring wineries, or simply playing cards with good company. She never met a stranger and could make anyone feel welcome. She loved her family, Rehoboth Beach and keeping tabs on the Pittsburgh Penguins. May her warmth and love continue to shine down on us all.
Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Francis Joseph Ligday, Jr.; her cherished sons, Francis Joseph Ligday, III (Geni) and Stephen Edward Ligday (Jenni); and her eight grandchildren: Nicholas, Anna, MaryJane, Claire, Genevieve, Helena, Henry, and James.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Monday, August 5, 2024 at the Boylan Funeral Home, Inc., 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, PA 16063.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at St. Gregory R.C. Church-Divine Grace Parish, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063.
Kathy will be laid to rest at St. Bernard Cemetery. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Noon at the chapel at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bradford.