Kathryn McGinley

On January 17, 2017, Kathryn McGinley, 66, peacefully surrendered to pancreatic cancer at home surrounded by loved ones. For over a year, she fought cancer bravely, participated in two clinical trials doing her part to further cancer research to benefit others facing this disease. Through difficult times, she remained positive, always kept her sense of humor, faced each challenge with grace and dignity, and offered reassuring words to her family and friends.

Kathy was born on January 30, 1950, in Chicago, IL as the only child of Jack and Bertha Morrison. Her early adulthood was devoted to raising her children and spending time with close friends. In 1995, a chance reunion with Michael McGinley, a childhood friend, led to a loving courtship and marriage on November 22, 2003. She and Mike shared the bond of childhood memories from New Jersey and in recent years returned to Metuchen and Plainfield to find their childhood homes, school, church, and hangouts. Together they enjoyed sampling ethnic cuisine, spending quiet afternoons reading the NY Times and traveling to Italy, Paris, Ireland, Manhattan and Cape May, N.J., visiting friends and family along the way. They also enjoyed hosting large gatherings for their blended family and attending their grandchildren's sporting events, recitals, and school performances.

A valued employee at Shapiro's and Nordstrom, she was also a dedicated volunteer, giving time and service to the YWCA, Judge Memorial Catholic High School, and the Hibernian Society of Utah. Before her diagnosis, Kathy ran seven Half-Marathons with the Huntsman Hometown Heroes, raising thousands of dollars to benefit the research efforts at Huntsman Cancer Institute. She thought she was training for her next half-marathon, but she was actually training for the endurance challenge that her diagnosis demanded. Her physical strength going into her fight with cancer gave her additional time beyond the original prognosis to spend with loved ones. She loved knitting with friends and was proud to earn her "Ph.D." in knitting by finishing an intricate and beautiful sweater earlier this fall. An avid and thoughtful reader, she also loved curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace.

Kathy is survived by her husband Mike McGinley; daughter Michelle Rasich (Marc); son Nico Nolan (Dr. Kelly Nolan); stepson Dr. Brian McGinley (Dr. Amy McCloskey McGinley); stepdaughter Heather McGinley Reid (Dax Reid); 7 grandchildren; and extended family and many close friends, she considered family. She is predeceased by her parents, and mother-in-law Gladys B. McGinley.

The vigil will be held on Friday, January 20th at 7:00 PM, with a celebration of life to follow at the St. Catherine's Newman Center, 170 University St. E, Salt Lake City. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21st at 2:00 PM also at St. Catherine's Newman Center.

Kathy's family extend their deepest gratitude to her care team at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, especially Dr. Ignacio Garrido-Laguna and Dr. Anna Beck, their teams, and Craig, from Community Nursing Services. Their care and compassion were steadfast, making the time the family had with Kathy this past year possible. In lieu of flowers, Kathy's wish is that friends and family will consider a donation to Huntsman Hometown Heroes in her memory.