Kathleen Clement Obituary: With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathleen Donnelly Clement, fondly known as Kay, who departed from this world on March 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. She was 82 years old.
Kay was born and raised in Cohoes, N.Y., on September 13, 1941. Her childhood was filled with joyous memories, especially the days spent riding her beloved horse, Tarzan, alongside her lifelong friend, Nancy Jarvis Fink. It was in those idyllic moments that Kay cultivated her deep appreciation for nature and animals, a passion that would shape her life.
A dedicated student, Kay excelled academically, graduating from Keveny Memorial Academy in 1959. She furthered her education at St. Peter’s School of Nursing, graduating at the top of her class in 1963. As a Registered Nurse, Kay touched countless lives with her compassionate care, starting in Homestead, Florida, and later at Cohoes Memorial Hospital until its closure in 1986. She then continued her dedicated service in Dr. Mike Gardner’s private practice until her retirement in 2003.
Outside of her professional life, Kay was a woman of many talents and interests. She pursued hobbies such as quilting, sewing, baking, birdwatching, gardening, and attending dog shows with her dear friend, Patti Nazarko. Kay delighted in hosting holiday gatherings, where family and friends would come together in joyous celebration.
Kay’s greatest joy in life was her family. She shared 61 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Joseph Ernest Clement, whom she met at Carlson’s Ice Rink in Cohoes in 1957. Together, they raised a loving family and created cherished memories that will forever be treasured.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph; her children, Ernie, John Sr., Patti, MaryMargaret, and Donna; her siblings, Margaret, Timothy, and Brian; her grandchildren, John Jr., Alysha, Jeremy, Trish, Evan, Maeve, Nessa, Beibhinn, and Alexis; and her great-grandson, Christopher. Kay will be warmly welcomed into eternity by her parents, brother, grandson Brandon, dear friend Nancy, and her beloved pets Duffy and Susie-Q.
As a proud Irishwoman, St. Patrick’s Day held special significance for Kay. In honor of her love for the holiday, we invite you to wear green to her visitation on Sunday, March 17, from 3-6 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Cohoes.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Cohoes. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery in Cohoes, where Kay will rest in eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [charitable organization or cause], in honor of Kay’s compassionate spirit and dedication to helping others.
Kay’s legacy of love, compassion, and celebration will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace, knowing she was dearly loved and cherished by all whose lives she touched.