Kathleen Loretta McCoy
April 7, 1932 ~ August 13, 2024
Age 92
Kathleen McCoy lived a life filled with faith, devotion and love for family and country.
She was the kindest, most selfless, and loving person and made you feel that you were the most important thing in her life whenever you spent time with her. She would seek out the quietest person in a room and make sure they felt welcome and included. She always had a bright smile and looked for the best in everyone.
Born in Davenport, Iowa, she met who would be the love of her life, Jim McCoy, at a high school bonfire. After he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951, she became his co-pilot supporting him in a successful career in the military, culminating in 1979 when she proudly witnessed him become the sixth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, the highest-ranking enlisted position in the service.
This dynamic husband and wife team raised eight children born at bases around the globe from Ohio to the Philippines.
Mom adored her children and grandchildren. She taught us how to read, write, swim, ride bikes, drive cars (some of us remember her slamming her foot in the passenger seat floor to the imaginary brake!) cook, earn merit badges and be kind and helpful to one another.
She loved being a mom and grandma but loved being an Air Force spouse the most.
Through it all she was the wind beneath Jim’s wings. (And yes, that is their favorite song)
And when the kids were grown and moved to begin adult chapters in life, she stepped up her letter writing, sending her children and grandchildren 40 letters or cards per month. In one of her letters, she wrote this: “I feel that the written word has the ability to create greater intimacy, it brings me closer to all of you. You are worth the time it takes me to sit here with pen in hand. Please keep in touch with each other, family is so important and memories of family last forever.”
Mom and Dad were lifelong Catholics and members of St. Matthew Parish in Bellevue. They helped raise funds over many years to build the new church that opened in 2020.
She worked at a childcare center in Hawaii to make ends meet. She also never passed up a bargain at garage and thrift store sales. As a teenager she helped her mom during World War II years at the Rock Island Arsenal. And decades later she volunteered at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, providing hugs and conversation to veterans, thanking them for their service to our country. She also helped veterans suffering from dementia. The veterans home is located at 12505 S 40th St., Bellevue, Nebraska, 68123.
As they inched closer to “retirement” Mom and Dad traveled the country and world visiting their children and accepting invites to attend and speak at functions mentoring countless Airmen, veterans and their families.
“Grandpa and Grandma” also hosted family reunions, a series of happy gatherings with food and fun. Jim and Kathy were always front and center in the reunion photo.
These reunions guided by their love kept the growing family close across the miles.
The 2022 family reunion was scheduled to coincide with Dad’s 92nd birthday on July 30. He died on July 13, 2022, just seventeen days short of his birthday.
In his memory that family reunion went on as a celebration of life for dad, and as the months passed, sometimes sad times for mom. “I just want to be with dad,” she would tell her children during her final two years.
Her wish was granted on the afternoon of August 13, 2024, when Mom peacefully took her last breaths and joined the love of her life in heaven.
Her family and friends will always be thankful for the gift that was her life. She will be missed dearly by all that knew and loved her.
Preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, James M. McCoy, CMSAF6, USAF (Ret.); son Michael; parents and three brothers.
Survived by her children Debbie Paxton (Jay), Jim McCoy (Louise), Teresa Cloughesy (Mike), Barb Branco (Allen), Steve McCoy (Barb), Matt McCoy, and Tom McCoy (Traci).
She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, John, Andrew and Carolyn Paxton; Kelsey and James McCoy; Michael Cloughesy and Kathleen Pierce; Allen, Scott, and Taylor Branco; Stephen and David McCoy; Michael, Megan, Anna, Oliver and Nichole McCoy; Tom McCoy, Dani Finochiaro, and David McCoy. Other survivors include 17 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and loving relatives and friends.
Visitation: Thursday, August 22, 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Chapel, 2202 Hancock St., Bellevue, 68005.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service, click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/kathleen-mccoy-vigil-hzq0vc5weqootb4tm45v
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, August 23, 10:00 am, St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12330 S 36th St, Bellevue, NE 68123.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/kathleen-mccoy-funeral-service-cjnfjuk0l6mnhc5iojbq
Interment: Friday, August 23, 1:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery
Memorials: Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home (veterans.nebraska.gov/envh) or St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church.
*Reunion pictures by Jeff Funk
4 Comments
I’m so sorry for your loss, but so happy that Kathy is with Jim again in heaven. I feel blessed to have known them. They truly made our world a better place.
Kathy & Jim McCoy were part of the Bob Gaylor family lives since 1965 at Barksdale AFB, LA. Jimmy McCoy was in my 6th grade class at Waller Elementary School. Although the children of both families grew up and moved on, Kathy & Jim and Bob & Selma became the closest of friends as their careers and lives followed parallel and perpendicular paths. Bob was CMSAF#5 and Jim was CMSAF#6. This put them in a brotherhood for life. This resulted in a strong bond & friendship between Kathy & Selma. Ms. Kathy was a strong wife and mother and a devout Catholic. Most of all, she was sweet and kind. The four are now resting in the arms of their Lord. May they rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon them. To the family of Kathy, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Jim and Kathy were among my favorite couples. They gave their best to God and country. If we can do anything for your family, just ask.
Jim and Kathy were great friends to both me and my wife Etsu (Dottie). Dottie loved talking with
Kathy. Kathy is with her true love Jim up in Heaven. A great couple that will surely be missed by all
those that knew them.
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