Dr. Mary Kathleen O’Loughlin, aka Kathy, born Nov. 27, 1947, passed away on Nov. 14, 2021, after being diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer in 2016.
With tenacity, she took on numerous novel breakthrough treatments that resulted in extending her life.
Many domestic and international studies she participated in are now serving as templates for legions of others to benefit from in the near future.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Eddie O’Loughlin; sisters Barbara Olsen and Joan Culp; brothers Jimmy Elsasser and Bobby Elsasser; sister-in-law Sandy Elsasser; brothers-in-law Jim O’Loughlin, Tim Culp and Bob Olsen; nieces Nadine Aktan, Erin O’Loughlin, Caroline Elsasser and Tori Cullo; nephews, Michael and Jon Thomas Elsasser and Mukbil Aktan; and grandniece Delila and grandnephew Jett Aktan.
Her son, Timothy O’Loughlin, passed away in 2003 at 27. She was also predeceased by her brother, Tommy Elsasser.
Kathy earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degrees in Education from Queens College, a Master’s Degree in Psychology at the New School and a Ph.D in Psychology at New York University.
She began her academic life teaching early childhood classes while attending college in the evening. Eventually she joined Nassau Community College as an adjunct professor in Psychology and earned a full professor of Psychology designation.
She loved research and dedicating herself to her students.
Kathy participated in and led many committees that contributed to the integrity and advancement of the Psychology Department, and the college.
Her philosophy was not merely to teach required courses, but to also instill and encourage a passion for life and learning.
She loved her son Timothy, her husband Eddie, and her large family.
Her curiosity led to her love of international travel for leisure and academic interests, including visiting Russia during the Perestroika era.
Kathy relished a lifetime in the service of people and peace.
She would often receive acknowledgment on how she impacted someone’s life. She never sought the spotlight and would simply comment, “it was what anyone would do”.
Kathy lived a life as a beam of light for positivity.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Timothy O’Loughlin Scholarship Fund at Nassau Community College. Contact colleen.ohara@ncc.edu for more information.
—Submitted by Fairchild Funeral Chapel, Manhasset
