Obituary of Kathleen M. Kiaer

Kiaer, Kathleen M. (Kitty) O’Brien of Glen Cove, NY died peacefully on July 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Kitty was born in Manhattan, NY on March 5, 1938 to Kathleen Reilly and Joseph Leo O’Brien. The adored youngest of three children, Kitty grew up in Forest Hills, then Great Neck, NY.

Her childhood revolved around family, books, church, and the beach. After graduating at the top of her class from Great Neck North High School, she went on to study Political Science at New York University where she met her husband, Donald Chase Kiaer. After a short courtship, they married and moved to Bologna, Italy where her husband studied medicine. Kitty often reflected on how happy she was living abroad. After five years and with a growing family, they moved back to the USA and settled in Glen Cove, NY where she lived until her death.

A devoted wife, loving mother of five, and cherished grandmother of eight, Kitty was active in her community and church, especially the St. Patrick’s Outreach Program, and the North Shore Men’s Sheltering Program which she helped spearhead in 1996. Kitty loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. She was a talented gardener and a wonderful cook which she attributed to her years living in Italy. What stood out among her many interests and talents was her love of reading and following her favorite professional sports teams. She was happiest when she had several great books on hand and live sports to watch, particularly her beloved Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the NY Islanders. Her family and friends will always remember her sharp intellect, incredible wisdom, and love for spirited debate.

Kitty is survived by her five children: Donald B. Kiaer, Kathleen K. Jansing (John), Joseph C. Kiaer (Susan), Kristina L. Benazzi (Robert), Andrew J. Kiaer, step-daughter: Lynn K. Edwards, and seven grandsons: Joseph, William, Nicholas, Andrew, Robert, Charles, Alexander, a step granddaughter, Olivia and her brother Joseph O’Brien. She is predeceased by her husband Donald C. Kiaer, her grandson Christopher K. Shea, and her sister Marianne V. O’Connell.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Boniface Martyr, Sea Cliff, NY.  The family would like to thank Glen Cove Hospital for their excellent care of Kitty during her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Glen Cove Hospital.  Donations may be made to the Glen Cove Hospital Click Here