Kathleen Mavourneen O'Connell Webster

Kathleen Mavourneen O'Connell Webster-beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong Ithacan-passed away on March 22, 2015, at her home of six years, Bridges Cornell Heights.


Kate was born on October 15, 1926, to Walter C. O'Connell, who was Cornell University's wrestling coach from 1908 to 1948, and Julia Driscoll O'Connell. Her mother came from the family of Driscoll builders and contractors (Driscoll Brothers Builders) that developed many of Ithaca's iconic homes and buildings of late 19th and 20th centuries, including the Lyceum Theater, Dewitt Mall, Schoellkopf Stadium, and the Stone Arch Bridge at Cornell's east entrance. Kate was very proud of her family's Ithaca roots and would often recall stories about her and her siblings swimming in Beebe Lake, and seeing the "red ball" on the Ithaca trolley that indicated Beebe was frozen and ready for skating. As a child, she also developed a deep love of music, taking great joy in her mother's piano playing and in the musical films of the 1930s and 40s. Later in her life, she loved to hear her children and grandchildren play music and sing.


After graduating from Ithaca High School, Kate attended Cornell and later the College of St. Elizabeth, along with her twin sister Eileen. When she was in her 40s, she went back to school to become a teacher and went on to a 20-year career in the Ithaca City School District, including time at "Central" (now Beverly J. Martin) and at Belle Sherman Elementary School. She was passionate about teaching young children and took great pleasure in her students' successes. She had a special fondness for students who were somewhat precocious, and treated all with patience, kindness, and respect.


Kate and her future husband, the late Louis Richard (Dick) Webster, met in middle school and married in 1949. They raised five children and had 52 happy years together, until Dick's passing in 2001. Kate was a calm and steady presence in her childrens' lives, always putting their needs above her own and providing a clear sense of right and wrong. In retirement, she and Dick enjoyed their home on Cayuga Lake and nurtured their love of learning through elder hostel. They also enjoyed traveling, birdwatching, and golf.


In addition to Dick, Kate was predeceased by her sister Anne Willis, brother Walter O'Connell, and granddaughter Lauren Webster. She is survived by her children Susanne Webster (Clif Gannon), Ithaca; Steve Webster (Lisa), Manlius NY; Carol Marsella (Nick), Manlius; Liz De Libero (Harry), Clifton Park N.Y.; and John Webster (Amy), Ithaca. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Curley of Pompton Plains, NJ, 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Kate's family greatly appreciates the loving care and attention provided by her friends at Bridges-their excellent work has been a blessing in all of our lives.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospicare of Tompkins County or the Alzheimer's Association.