Ligday

Kathleen “Kathy” Healy Ligday, 85, of Zelienople, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

A native of Bradford, Pa., Kathy was the only child of Marion (Wharton) and Gordon Healy. Gregarious and fun-loving, Kathy spent her youth among many cousins and friends. She often attended dances donning mother-made poodle skirts, enjoyed outdoor fun like skiing, and cheered on the Bradford Bees baseball team with her adoring father.

Upon graduating from St. Bernard High School in 1957, she received a degree in dietetics at Mount Mercy (now Carlow University) and embarked on her lifelong career as a dietitian.

Settling in the Pittsburgh area, Kathy's friend suggested a double date to a football game. Through Divine Providence, she met the man with whom she would eventually share 55 years of marriage. She married Francis (Fritz) Ligday Jr. in 1969 and set to work building their family in a modest home in Harmony. It was under this roof that their two sons, Francis and Stephen, experienced and witnessed their mother’s unconditional devotion and selflessness. Firm but fair, Kathy instilled virtues of commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic through a life of humility. She was immensely proud of her boys — encouraging and embracing their passions and always cheering from the sidelines. She never missed an opportunity to draft a “blurb” for the local paper highlighting their accomplishments.

Immensely social with a wonderful take-charge attitude, Kathy’s influence stretched far beyond her four walls. Kathy's impassioned sense of civic duty led to myriad positions in public service and volunteer work in the community. Kathy served as auditor and supervisor for Lancaster Township, was a longtime member and president of St. Ann's Guild and, until recently, volunteered at the Historic Harmony and Passavant Home gift shops. Kathy's professional life also centered on others. She worked many years in geriatric dietary care, taught dietetics at Slippery Rock University, and managed the cafeteria at Quigley Catholic High School for a short time. Kathy was very proud of her 50-year membership in the American Dietetic Association. She was a community gem.

A consummate socialite, her Irish roots never allowed her to turn down a gathering — whether attending a play with her girlfriends, exploring wineries or simply playing cards with good company. She never met a stranger and could make anyone feel welcome. She loved her family, Rehoboth Beach and keeping tabs on the Pittsburgh Penguins. May her warmth and love continue to shine down on us all.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Francis Joseph Ligday Jr.; her cherished sons, Francis Joseph Ligday III (Geni) and Stephen Edward Ligday (Jenni); and her eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Anna, MaryJane, Claire, Genevieve, Helena Henry and James.

LIGDAY — Visitation for Kathleen (Kathy) Healy Ligday, who died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church, 2 W. Beaver St., Zelienople.

A committal service will be held at noon Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the chapel at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bradford, Pa.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.