Kathryn Josephine Brown

Kathryn Josephine (Koelble) Brown, 85, of Ulster, NY, formerly of Mineola, NY, died peacefully and with dignity on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck with her family at her side. She was born January 19, 1926 in the Bronx, NY to the late Benjamin L. and Mary M. (Mulhall) Koelble, and was the second of four children, including Robert, Kathryn, Frances, and Evelyn.

Kathryn, known also as Kay, was a remarkable woman. She endured the hardships of her generation, experiencing the poverty of the Depression and bearing the loss of her beloved brother, Robert, in WWII.

Kay was a graduate of Mineola High school class of 1945. She was the only girl in her high school shop class, where she learned to disassemble and reassemble a Model-T Ford. This experience instilled in her a love of old cars, and she enjoyed attending old car shows. Kay had a passion for ice skating, and was an expert marksman, for which she received several awards and trophies.

Kay held a number of jobs while in and after high school, including: the Long Island Lighting company; Mitchel Field Air Force Base on Long Island; and Sperry Rand Corporation, where she met and married the father of her children.

She moved with her husband from Levittown to Ulster, NY, to pursue the post-war American dream. A divorce left her to raise five young children on her own. It was at this point that Kay's resourcefulness, intelligence, and strong spirit were fully manifested. Her home became a haven for her children and their friends, and she was their listening post and wise advisor. No subject was taboo for discussion, and she was able to guide her children and friends through the challenges of growing up. She ensured that each of her children found a profession in life. She was able to find a solution for any problem, no matter how seemingly insurmountable the problem initially appeared.

She worked many jobs to support her family, including the Holiday Inn in Kingston, Ulster Academy, the Oak Grove Chalet, IBM, the Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, NY, and as a Merchandiser for the American Greeting Card Company, Kingston, NY, from which she retired at age 81.

Kay's greatest loves were her children and grandchildren, stimulating conversation over a cup of coffee, reading, and travel with her family. She was fascinated with history and with the psychology of human behavior in all aspects. She had a photographic memory for people and places, which made a trip with her forever memorable, as she could recall details of a trip long forgotten by her traveling companions.

Kay's impact on the lives of many is immeasurable. She had an amazing ability to converse with any person she met, no matter from which walk of life they came. She was a sage advisor to her children on their work and business matters, and was the rock and foundation of her family. She willingly made personal sacrifices to help many, and her legacy will continue long beyond her passing.

Kathryn is survived by her children; Lynn M. Brown of Fanwood, NJ; Robert N. Brown and his fiancé Denise Razzazan of West Hurley, NY; Virginia R. Brown and her husband, Alan Mustacchi, of Scarsdale, NY; Kenneth F. Brown and his wife Ling Brown of Rock Hill, NY; Dennice O. Brown and her husband David Rizzo of New York, NY; nephew and 'adopted son' Robert Carney of Kingston, NY; a sister, Frances Koelble Martin and her husband, Frank, of Belmont, NH; son-in-law, Gary W. Szelc; her grandchildren, Connie Lynn Brown, Jonathan and Sofia Mustacchi, Jiangni Brown, Eleanor Szelc; her 'adopted grandchildren', Kenneth C. Stine Jr. and Amanda Elliot; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents and brother, Robert, Kay was predeceased by her youngest sister, Evelyn Koelble Carney, and infant daughter, Mary Kathryn Brown.

The last few months of her life were spent under the excellent care of professionals at both NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Northern Dutchess Hospital, where the family was treated with kindness and respect during Kay's last weeks and final hours of life.

Entrusted to the care of Luke Keyser, Keyser Funeral Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 where friends may call on Sunday October 23rd from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on Monday October 24th at Sacred Heart RC Church in Esopus, NY.

Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

Light a candle in memory of Kathryn at www.KeyserFuneralService.com