Catherine B. Fennelly

Catherine B. Fennelly 92, passed away peacefully in her home, on July 26, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Catherine was born in Cork, Ireland to Daniel and Lucy (Dillon) O’Sullivan on January 3, 1929. She called Lexington home for the past 33 years. She was married to her loving husband Patrick, for 57 years until his death in 2014.

She is survived by her children, Greg (Verona) Fennelly, David Fennelly (Carlos Sanchez), Veronica (Upen) Malani and Barbara (John) Miller; her grandchildren, Eric and Ryan Malani, Jacob, Sophie and Zoe Miller and Joscelyn Fennelly; her brother, Tom (Catherine) O’Sullivan; her sister, Lucy (Gerry)Fleming; sister-in-law, Helen O’Sullivan, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael O’Sullivan; her sister, Celine Harding-Lane; her brothers-in-law, Owen Harding-Lane, Gerard Fennelly and Tom Maloney and her sister-in-law, Maisie Maloney.

She had a long career as a highly respected and much loved Montessori teacher. She was passionate about early childhood education and encouraged every child to reach their full potential. She was a trailblazer in the early education field, owning and operating her own successful pre-K learning center. She also offered speech and drama classes where she shared her deep love of poetry and acting with hundreds of young students. In her free time, she could often be found tending to her garden.

She led and exemplary life in everything she did, but the role she cherished most, was that of devoted wife, mother and grandma.

Milward Funeral Directors are entrusted with Mrs. Fennelly’s service arrangements. Visitation will be held Friday, July 30th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 1730 Summerhill Dr., Lexington from 10 AM to 11 AM, with mass to begin at 11 AM. Private interment to follow in Lexington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Catherine’s family suggests a donation to New Heights Therapy, Folsom LA or Bluegrass Care Navigators Lexington KY.

To share a remembrance of Catherine or to offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com.