KATHLEEN CELINE WHELPLEY (née Gallagher), 90, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on February 6, 2024, joining her late husband James in heaven. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Kathleen was born on February 24, 1933, in Dooagh, Achill Island, Co Mayo, Ireland, the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Gallagher. She grew up in a large and close-knit family, with five brothers and seven sisters. She moved to Scotland at age 14, where she worked serving others in need before moving across the Atlantic on the HMS Queen Mary to the United States. Here, she fell in love with James C. Whelpley, married, and raised a loving family of five children in Cleveland.

Kathleen was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Patrick's West Park. Proud of her Irish heritage, she enjoyed sharing stories, songs, and jokes with her family and friends. She had a deep and caring heart and was always ready to help anyone in need. She loved to tell stories, build a strong home, and learn. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandson, who brought her much joy and laughter. A loving soul, she leaves a legacy of bold Irish resilience, love of animals, finding joy amid adversity, and an enduring commitment to family.

Kathleen was preceded in death by siblings Mary, Thomas, Bridget, Ann, Patrick, Michael Joe, Margaret, Veronica, and Henry. She is survived by her siblings Theresa, Anthony, and Patricia; her four sons James (Lynne Ann), Michael, Thomas (Amy), and Patrick; her daughter Mary (Eric) Herrmann; her beloved grandchildren Eric, Brian, Michael, Kathleen, Kelly, and Holden; her great-grandson Miles; and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 16, St. Patrick Church (West Park) at 10 A.M.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 8:30 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44111.