Kathleen Marie O’Connell Anthony, 77, passed away, after a short and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, on December 15, 2025, surrounded by loving siblings, at her home in Overland Park, Kansas.

Kathy was the 6^th of 10 children of Paul J. O’Connell and Mary Schloegl O’Connell, raised in Westwood, Kansas.  She attended St. Agnes Grade School and Bishop Miege High School, as well as Avila University.  Her work career spanned retail management (Macy’s, Chasnoff’s), followed by sales and marketing for several technical schools, Sun Publications, and Builders Publishers Co. Her dedication to her work was exemplary.

She was married to Rodd Anthony from May 1980 until his death in June 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, JoAnn Purcell, a brother, William "Billy" O’Connell, and two brothers-in-law, Dr Larry Purcell and Dale Schmidtberger.

Kathy is survived by 7 siblings, Paul O’Connell (Marianne), Bob O’Connell (Edeli), Tom O’Connell (Julie), Judy Reyhle (Steve), Marty O’Connell, Maureen Alexander and Elaine Schmidtberger, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Upon retirement and after her husband’s death, Kathy found great joy and fulfillment in her volunteer work at the KU Cancer Center. Anyone on the receiving end of her smile was filled with a warm, welcoming love. She will be sorely missed as a take-charge friend/sister/aunt with boundless generosity.

Kathy’s family is most grateful for KC Hospice and Palliative Care. Their professional and compassionate support during her last few weeks of life made it possible for her to pass on in her beloved home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the KU Cancer Center of Westwood, Kansas, Kansas City Hospice or Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church, Leawood, Kansas.

Visitation will be on December 27, 2025, at 10:00 am at Cure’ of Ars Catholic Church, with the funeral service following, at 11:00 am.

If you are unable to attend, the link to the YouTube Livestream will be found at www.cureofars.com/funeral on the day of the funeral.