Kathleen O'Hara Herndon

Katie was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1950, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of Edward Thomas O’Hara and Alyce Fenn O’Hara (“Rusty”). She grew up in Cheshire, CT, and graduated from Cheshire High School in 1968. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy. UNC is where she met her future husband, Frederick William Herndon, Jr. (“Bill”), whom she married in January of 1974. Throughout their 52-year marriage, they lived in New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and what they describe as a “life-enriching” four years in Singapore.

Over a 40+ year career in physical therapy, Katie worked in areas of geriatric care, orthopedics, and did groundbreaking work in women’s healthcare in Raleigh. Katie was beloved by her patients and touched many lives throughout her long career.

Throughout her life, Katie maintained a very active lifestyle, making friends all over the world. She and her husband, Bill, were avid SCUBA divers; she also enjoyed golf, skiing, and playing outdoor sports with her grandchildren.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Rusty. She is survived by her husband, Bill Herndon of Raleigh, NC, their three children and their spouses: James Herndon and Miranda Bodfish of Stone Mountain, GA, Maryelle Kiely and Eoin Kiely of Raleigh, NC and USCG CDR Dave Herndon and Rachel Herndon of San Francisco, CA; her five grandchildren, Cyrus and Amir Herndon, and Thomas, Bruce, and Elaine Kiely; and her siblings COL Brian O’Hara, USAF (ret) of Bellingham, WA, and Jo-Ann O’Hara Fackler of Cheshire, CT.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd from 12:00-3:00 pm at Tobacco Road Sports Café at 505 W Jones St. Raleigh, NC. All are welcome. Please join us in celebrating her wonderful life. Casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, Katie’s family would welcome donations in her name to the following causes, which were close to her heart: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) Research Partnership.

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