Katherine N. Carney

Katherine N. (Purdy) Carney, 76 years old, passed away Saturday, March 28th, 2020 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin, NY from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Kathy was born in Norwich, NY on August 23rd, 1943. She graduated from Norwich High School and began working at Phil Card Chevrolet where she met the love of her life, Kenneth D. Carney. They were married in 1962 and raised their family in Norwich.

Kathy is survived by her husband Kenneth; her daughter Kim Parks of Hudson NY; her son Kristopher, daughter-in-law Joy and grandsons John and Graham of Summit, NJ. She was predeceased by her parents Graham E. Purdy and Evelyn M. (Pellett) Purdy and her cousin, who was like a sister, Patricia (Pellett) Burrows. She was also predeceased by many uncles and aunts and was especially close to her aunt Harriet Purdy who was a consistent source of confidence, support and affection to Kathy.

Kathy worked at NBT, American Cancer Society and as office manager of several veterinarian offices in Norwich. Her fondest memories as a child were spent with her dear cousin Pat at the beach around Nubble Lighthouse in Maine. She was a great lover of cats, had many as a child and over her lifetime. It was her passionate smile, outgoing, helpful personality and love of animals that made her years at the veterinarian offices the most enjoyable of her professional career. Kathy got her lifelong love of reading from her father, who she adored, neither of them were ever known to be too far from a book and often were reading more than one at a time. Kathy enjoyed volunteering with her husband to several causes and providing support for friends in need. They were active members of the Alzheimer's Association and helped bring a chapter to Norwich. She was very involved in the lives of her children, supporting them academically and spending countless hours in the stands at endless swim meets and ballfields. In her later years she enjoyed being a grandmother, spoiling her grandsons and traveling around the country with her husband. Her infectious smile, kindness, generosity and love will live in the hearts and memories of her family and friends forever.

The family is planning a memorial service at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich later this year.