Catherine (Kelly) Begos, age 88, a long-time resident of Crestwood, New York, died on December 28, 2023.
Kathy was born on December 22, 1935 in a small village in County Wexford, Ireland. She was the oldest daughter of Paddy Kelly (a blacksmith), and Eileen Conway Kelly.
After Kathy emigrated to the United States at age 21, she quickly met Walter Begos, then a law student and co-worker of hers at Allstate. They were married in her home town of Screen on October 7, 1957. They had four sons, Dennis, Patrick (Julie), Brian (Jessica) and Michael.
Kathy was a fiercely loving and proud grandmother to Morgan, DJ, Abby, Francesca, Stephen, Olivia, Liam, Billy and Parker, as well as her granddaughter-in-law, Ashley, and grandson-in-law Eric.
Kathy packed vast stores of energy into her small frame. Despite being out-numbered five-to-one by large men in her house, there was never a doubt who was in charge. She frequently confounded the men by single-handedly rearranging the furniture in entire rooms while they were out. She was an avid tennis player, continuing well into her 80s. She volunteered at meal kitchens and charities. She was a long-time and devoted parishioner at Annunciation Church in Crestwood.
Kathy carefully tended her Irish roots. She traveled to her home town of Screen many times with Walter and the boys. And she continued to return to Screen after her sons were grown. Her final visit was in May 2023, when she was able to see her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends for a final time.
Kathy is survived by five of her six siblings: Billy, Jim (Ann), and John (all in Wexford), Nellie (in Wicklow), and May (in Virginia); and by all of her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter, her older brother, Packy, and her parents.
Kathy’s family would like to thank The Friedwald Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, for the care they gave to her for the last several months of her life.
Calling hours at the Fred H McGrath and Son, Funeral Home, Bronxville, between the hours of 4 to 8 pm Tuesday, January 2. Mass of Christian Burial, Annunciation church Crestwood on Wednesday, January 3 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which works to assist bereaved families repatriating back to Ireland loved ones who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances. https://kbrtrust.com/about-kbrt/
Condolences(5)-
-
-
-
-
Previous Clark, Mary Caroline Leary
Next Konstantellis, John L.
Joe/Jeanne Yee & Family says
December 31, 2023 at 6:32 pmCatherine Begos was the most kind and loving person that the Yee Family has ever met. She always graciously received us wherever she made be in Crestwood, at Lake Winnipesaukee, at Stratton Mountain, in Branford, in Andover, in Cambridge, in Cape Cod and all these made Life Time Memories.
Theresa Kehoe says
January 3, 2024 at 9:46 amDeepest Sympathy to all the Family on the death of Kathleen. She never forgot her roots in Screen and Ireland. May She Rest in Peace. The Sheil Family Screen Village & Tony & Theresa Kehoe.
Paula Hearne says
January 3, 2024 at 5:18 pmCondolences to Kathleen’s family on her passing. Kathleen and her husband Walter were often talked about when I was growing up, about how good they were to the Hearnes when they went to the States. I met her a few years back with Jim and she instantly knew I was a Hearne! Sincere sympathy on your loss. Paula Hearne, Curracloe, Wexford
Margaret Sinnott-Wachholz says
January 3, 2024 at 8:19 pmAhhhh…Grit, Stamina, & sound judgement seems to describe your mom – Dennis, Pat, Brian & Michael. I think Kathleen (we always called your mom Kathleen in the ole country) did more for the economy & tourism for Screen/Curracloe, Co. Wexford, Ireland -than anyone else we know.
And, she perhaps tried to perfect the greatest gift of all – the gift of love – love for her family & friends– the roots back in Ireland she never abandoned, & the family & friends she grew in the USA.
She succeeded.
‘Tis the longest relationship we have is with a parents; a tough loss as you were loved unconditionally until the last breath. Condolences to your entire family in the US, & to Billy, Jim & Ann, John, Nellie & the entire family in Ireland on your deep & heavy loss. I loved Packy (RIP), & your grandparents were unintentionally funny & wonderful villagers – such rich memories.
During these times of grief, confusion, sense of hopelessness & the times that it’s tempting to think that God’s peace seems so elusive…I try to remember when loss & grief hits me that, “If God’s peace transcends all understanding, then so does His ability to heal a broken heart”.
That’s my hope for you all soon.
With love & care for the Kelly & Begos family.
Most of all,
a smile, & a bow to your mother.
Margaret Sinnott originally from Ballyfarnogue, Screen & her Wachholz Tribe in Minnesota
Nick Gionta says
January 13, 2026 at 2:43 pmCatherine. Sorry so late. I/We were so very sorry to hear of your passing. You were a good Friend and neighbor to us. You will be missed. My condolences to all of your Family. May you rest in peace…..
Nick and Pam Gionta (Crestwood-New York)