Kathleen Whitty was a true lady with a beautiful smile
Kathleen Whitty (Kay, nee Radford), Whitford House Hotel was born to parents Tom and Elizabeth Radford in June 1942. She was brought up on the family farm at Gurteenminogue, Murrintown in very different times.
Kay is survived by her four children, James, Eilish, Gerard and Ronan, daughter in-laws Bobbie, Madeleine and Erin, son in-law Val and seven adoring grandchildren Katie, James, Aoife, Josh, Luke, Caleb and baby Ralphie.
Kay came from a very closeknit family of six siblings, Bernie, Mick, Tod, John, Timmy and her sister Mary and she thought the world of each of them. There was always music, craic and banter at the Radford home.
It was a busy and fun house typical of its time where all were welcome and the kettle was always on the brew.
Jim and Kay were married in 1964, a year after John F. Kennedy came to Wexford and tourism was in its infancy. Small B&Bs and guest houses were starting up in many rural areas, it was in this setting that Whitford was founded by a young dynamic couple.
Jim and Kay were both just 22 years of age. They were a great team, dedicated to each other and to their business. They worked long hours, seven days a week and always spoke very highly of all who worked in their employment over the years and the wonderful loyal customers they met.
Jim and Kay loved the guest interaction and the many friends they made through Whitford. They used their individual strengths to reach their common goal.
Kay was the face of the business, diligent, tough and always smiling. While Jim had the vision, the drive and was also a wonderful support to his wife.
Their union gave them strength beyond numbers, they had a passion, a drive and a determination to start, to stay the course and to succeed, which for their children was truly admirable.
The mantra was always the same ‘if something is worth doing it is worth doing well’. Their energy and passion for life and business was infectious to all those around them and they were supported from the beginning by a wonderful group of people who followed Kay’s exacting standards to enable continued business success.
Kay was very sociable and would captivate people with her wit and charm, the soul of discretion, she was a great listener and generously gave her time to all, believing a problem shared was a problem halved.
Hospitality came very naturally to her and she ensured her home was always a welcoming and warm place for all who visited, no matter the day or the hour. Her engaging smile was a constant.
Sadly, Jim passed away at the age of 52 years (RIP), and part of Kay died at that point too. She continued to reside at Whitford and maintained the same passion for the business but it was a difficult journey.
Her best friend and life partner was no longer on the same path and this was a particularly challenging period for Kay, though she would never admit to it.
She was still strong, feisty and game for a laugh with her many friends who supported her, particularly her brother Mick who joined the business at that time and remains a great source of encouragement to this day.
Kay was a lady to the core who loved her style and her annual shopping trips with her dear friend Breda were eagerly anticipated. Both widowed within 10 months of each other, it was so sweet to witness their great friendship bonded forever because of the similar life path they shared.
Kay was always ahead of her time, young to get married, young to start a business, young to start a family but also unfortunately, young to develop Alzheimer’s.
At just 62, she was to face the fight of her life. This final road was shared with her family and they have never been prouder of her and how she dug deep and accepted her illness.
She had a deep faith which helped her at this time, she accepted her illness as her personal cross to carry. Kay carried this cross with dignity and a true gentleness of spirit.
Her family are extremely grateful to all the amazing team at Whitford who particularly took the time to engage with and, in their own quiet way, watch out for Kay.
The family would like to give a sincere word of thanks to Kay’s carers Margaret, Flor, Elsie, to Mary and Nicola Doran, the staff at Knockeen and to Dr Ravi for their kindness and care of Kay during her long illness. They are truly most grateful.
Her family also said it was a great privilege to care for Kay in her final months, a better patient you could not wish for. In death as in life she taught them so much and her illness has instilled in them a humility and compassion that will serve them well for the future.
Rest in Peace Kay, you will continue to be missed and loved.
‘Ar dheis De go raibh a anam’
Kay’s family found this prayer in Granny Radford’s prayer book which they would like to share, it very much encapsulates their mum’s philosophy.
(Gran, as she was affectionately known by all, lived at Whitford for 10 years after grandfather Tom Radford passed away)
An Old Mother’s Prayer (by Brian O Higgins)
Not much have I done, but this. O Jesus!
I have loved Thy Name since my childhood’s hour
I have taught my babies to lisp It softly,
To hold It sacred and know Its power.
I have taught them, too, in the time of danger,
To turn for succour and help to Thee;
And now I am old, and my heart is weary –
O Heart of Jesus, remember me!