Kathleen Frances McKenna

Kathleen Frances McKenna, 82, an Albuquerque resident, was surrounded by loved ones when she was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2022.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Donna Ruiz (Alex) of San Antonio, TX; her son John, McKenna; and her daughter, Karen Asher (Ryan) of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Deborah, (Jonathon) Jessica (Joe), Eulogio (Grace), Jemma, and Erin; great-grandson, Kael; and soon to be great-granddaughter, Ruth. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Anne Mulligan; her husband of 42 years, John G McKenna; and her two brothers, Eugene Mulligan and John Mulligan.

Kathleen was born Saturday, January 6, 1940, in Mount Kisco NY, the daughter of Eugene and Anne (Eustace) Mulligan. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1957, Kathleen attended and graduated from Berkeley School of Business in White Plains, NY. After meeting her future husband on a blind date, she married John McKenna on Saturday, June 27, 1959, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Mount Kisco, NY. The McKenna's moved to Clinton Connecticut and began raising their growing family before relocating to Stormville, NY. In 1980 they moved to New Mexico where they both remained residents of Albuquerque until their death.

Kathleen worked for L&M Technologies at Sandia Labs before retiring at age 71. A dedicated parishioner of St. Bernadette Catholic church for over 40 years, Kathleen loved spending time with her family and friends, being outside doing yard work, sewing, coin collecting, and enjoyed sweet treats. Always offering an open door, a genuine smile and a cup of tea, Kathleen was an incredible listener. She often looked for a silver lining, believing things in life would eventually fall into place no matter how difficult situations can be. Her directness and nonjudgmental trusting nature brought Kathleen many friends. Only offering kind words and displaying selflessness, Kathleen was a role model of 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. She went to bed in a good mood, woke up in a good mood, loved to laugh, had a fun, easy-going sense of humor, and always was happy to see you. She was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd NE. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center c/o: St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.
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