Kathleen Marie Mukherjee

Born on August 21,1948, at Hornell Hospital in Hornell, NY, Kathy was the beloved daughter of Edmund McGunnigle, a dedicated potato farmer, and Teresa McGunnigle (née Reinhardt). She was raised in Avoca, NY, attending Avoca Elementary School and later Haverling High School in Bath. Throughout her life, Kathy held immense pride in her rich Irish and German heritage, frequently sharing cherished stories of her father’s successful potato farming on Long Island and her Grandma Reinhardt’s beloved restaurant on Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn. Kathy studied economics at Manhattanville College and the University of Rochester graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

It was at Rochester in 1971 that she met the love of her life, Sailaj "Sam" Mukherjee. Their deep bond led to two beautiful wedding ceremonies on January 8 and 9, 1972—a Catholic mass and a traditional Hindu ceremony. To honor their union in the Catholic Church, her mother secured a special dispensation signed by the Pope himself, a cherished document that remained prominently displayed in their home. In 1976, they welcomed their beloved son, Anand "Andy."

Professionally, Kathy built a distinguished and fulfilling career in furniture sales and design. She spent several years sharing her eye for design at McCurdy’s department store,The Cherry House, Marple Furniture, and The Pennsylvania House before embarking on a long, celebrated tenure as a Sales Designer with Stickley Furniture, where she earned top salesperson honors for several consecutive years.

Following her retirement in 2012, Kathy channeled her curiosity and passion into genealogy, successfully tracing her roots and building meaningful connections with distant cousins across the country. In 2022, Sam and she sold their home of nearly 50 years in Rochester to relocate to Brooklyn, NY, to be closer to their son, grandson, and granddaughter. In Brooklyn, Kathy embraced city life, forming a deep friendship with her daughter-in-law's mother, Rita Barker; together, they mastered the city transit system and enjoyed numerous Broadway shows. Above all, Kathy found her greatest joy in doting on her grandchildren and watching movies with them.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Sam Mukherjee; her brother Bob McGunnigle; her son, Anand Mukherjee; her nephew Robert McGunnigle; her daughter-in-law, Donna Lehmann; her cherished grandchildren, Oscar and Nora Mukherjee; her dear "sister," Rita Barker; and her "daughter," Sue Molnar.

Visitation will be held at Joseph G. Duffy, 255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 112153905, US, on August 17, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a live stream available at https://www.facebook.com/Joseph-G-Duffy-Funeral-Home-of-Park-Slope-Brooklyn-199219726867645.