Obituary of Kathryn A. Durkin

Colonie - Kathryn “Kay” A. Durkin, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the age of 94. Every birthday for the last decade or so, she would laugh and say, “Wow! I’m that old?! I’ve never known anyone as old as I am,” her voice full of awe. She was grateful for each day of her long life, always had a smile on her face, and anyone who had the opportunity to know her loved her.  

Kay was born on February 10, 1927 at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA to parents Joseph and Mary Sammon. She was the youngest of three siblings, Marie and Joe, whom she looked up to and loved very much. They lived in Dunmore, PA until Kay’s senior year of high school when the family moved to Newark, NJ. She was a graduate of the class of 1944 from Central High School.

After graduating, Kay worked at the Andraes and Robert Stevens Insurance Agencies and eventually Liberty Mutual. In 1949, she met the love of her life, John P. (Jack) Durkin, and on August 25, 1951 they were married. From 1954 to 1966 she was a full-time stay-at-home mother to her two children, Thomas (Tom) and Patrice (Patti). 

Later, Kay worked in the office at the Freihofer Baking Company and would come home smelling like freshly baked bread every day. She also worked for Louis Green Insurance Agency and then in late 1973, she began a 17-year career with NYS DMV dealing with worker’s comp matters, retiring in 1990. Kay’s unyielding patience and unfailing kindness made her the perfect DMV employee. In early 1993, Kay embarked upon her final and favorite job, a labor of love. She spent her well-earned retirement years babysitting new granddaughter, Emily, until the late 90’s. 

Family was the most important aspect of Kay’s life. She enjoyed listening to music and seeing musicals. She also liked spending time in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for her family. She had an incredibly giving heart and never expected anything in return.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents Joseph (Joe) and Mary (Mae) Sammon, loving husband Jack Durkin, infant son Robert Daniel, sister Marie Kearney (Frank) and brother Joe Durkin (Ann), as well as brothers-in-law, Jim and Tom Durkin.

Kay is survived by her son Thomas and daughter Patrice Mooney (Michael), granddaughters Marie Durkin (Chris Lyman) and Emily Mooney (Josh Gorton), and four great-grandchildren Brooks, Benjamin, Maeve, and Meara, as well as Celine Durkin Shema, several nieces and nephews, and cousins Camille Sammon Pavey and Kathleen Sammon Yaegar. 

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects at Reilly & Son Funeral Home,1200 Central Ave., Colonie on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4-7pm and 8am Saturday, January 29, 2022. Her funeral mass is at 9am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave in Albany. Her burial will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.