Kathleen Dempsey Doyle

On March 5, 2025, after a joyful and active day with family and friends, Kathleen Dempsey Doyle entered eternal life with the Lord while she slept. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Kathleen was the middle of three daughters born to Catherine (McArdle) and William Dempsey, Irish immigrants. She attended Catherine McAuley Girls’ High School, where she was both an excellent student and a popular classmate—funny, mischievous, and a highly entertaining mimic.

Kathleen married Joseph Doyle, with whom she had three children. She devoted herself to motherhood. Kathleen began working outside of the home when her youngest child started school. A graduate of Buffalo State Teacher’s College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Kathleen’s true professional passion was, unsurprisingly, talk radio. Prior to entering the corporate world, Kathleen was the host of a popular morning show on radio station WUSJ/WLVL in Lockport, NY. The community affairs focused show highlighted Kathleen’s natural skill at conducting interviews.

Over the years, Kathleen held communications and public relations senior management positions in the banking and insurance industries. After retiring from the corporate life, Kathleen returned to her first love, radio, and hosted a public interest radio show at WGBB on Long Island.

Kathleen’s devotion to her Roman Catholic faith and her family, and her ethic of service, defined her. Throughout her life she volunteered extensively and energetically—at her children’s schools; and on the boards of directors of community organizations such as the YWCA, the League of Women Voters; and the Niagara County, NY Mental Health Board. In 1977, she was chosen as a New York State delegate to the International Women’s Conference in Houston, TX, where International Women’s Day was born. After the conference, Kathleen created an annual community awards luncheon to recognize the achievements of local women. Kathleen helped to establish the Irish Holy Ghost Fathers Refugee Trust in the USA. For many years, she was a mentor and literacy tutor to students at an underserved NYC grammar school.

After “commuting” back and forth between north and south for a few years, Kathleen made Tampa her home in 2005. As she had done all her life, she quickly formed lasting friendships, and became active in her church and community. While volunteering at Alpha House of Tampa (now Dawning Family Services), Kathleen met Earl Ware, Jr., a founding member of Alpha House. Earl was her cherished and steady companion until he entered Heaven in 2019. Kathleen was a regular presence at her grandchildren’s sporting and school events, and could often be found in the school carpool line. She was a member of St. Patrick’s and Christ the King Catholic churches, and attended mass nearly every day. Kathleen believed in the consummate powers of the Rosary, Adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Over the years, she was active in parish outreach ministries and was a Eucharistic minister. She was a member of Christ the King’s Circle Twelve and Bible Study.

Kathleen maintained strong friendships from as far back as grammar school, and she never stopped making new ones. She enjoyed her adventures with the wonderful Day Trippers, playing Rummikub with her game partners, and dining with her neighbors at Allegro. She will be remembered for her absolute devotion to God, her kindness and warmth, her genuine interest in others, and her exuberant spirit.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Doreen Ferrara; her cousin, James McArdle; and her former husband. She is survived by her three beloved children: Jane Rothschild (Lawrence), Christopher Doyle (Eileen), and Sean Doyle (Lynda); her nine grandchildren, whom she adored: Charlotte Rothschild (Cameron Barwick), Claire Rothschild (Christopher Blivin), Scott Rothschild, Mary Doyle, Peter Doyle, Kevin Doyle, Michaela Doyle (Tyler Fergin), Liam Doyle, and Owen Doyle; her sister, Marion Hannigan (Charles); her niece, Jill Ferrara, and brother-in-law, Charles Ferrara; her cousins Theresa Langan and Helen Ciaravino; and many other loving family members here and in Ireland.

Kathleen’s family wishes to express utmost gratitude to Terry Charlton, her kindergarten classmate and friend of eighty years; her dear friend Gail Whiting of Tampa; the Allegro community and staff; the staff of Christ the King, and all those who loved her and nourished her soul.

Kathleen would often say, “Keep your dancing shoes handy. You never know when there will be a party.” No doubt she is dancing in Heaven.

A Funeral Mass for Kathleen will be said by Reverend Connor Penn on Saturday, March 29th at 2:30 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 South Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathleen’s memory to Academy Prep Center of Tampa https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form?svcid=renxt&formId=c17e1b69-43f6-4940-802e-09dc1da6f94d&envid=p-pMMt5Vdl-0OQjtLwY8-Zfw&zone=usa, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stjude.org, or the children’s charity of your choice.