This award is in memory of Mary Henry Brady given by our President each year to a member who has given outstanding service to the Mayo Association of Philadelphia

Kathleen  Murtaugh

Kathleen Murtaugh is the  recipient of the 2009 Mary Henry Brady Award

 Kathleen has been an active member of the Mayo Association for the past 23 years.  She is presently serving on the Board of Trustees, and Chance Committee. Some of the many positions she has held are: Board of Directors, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Mayo Ball Chair, Chance Committee Chair, and Miss Mayo Contest Chair. 

   Kathleen was born in Carracastle, Co. Roscommon in the town of Palm Field to Bernard & Ellean (Cawley) Gavin. she was the fourth of five children. She attended Cloongullane School and the Convent of Mercy in Swinford, before her parents emigrated to the Germantown section of Philadelphia in 1949, where her parents met and married in 1928, and returned to Ireland in 1930.

    After attending Immaculate Conception Commercial, Kathleen worked for Day and Zimmermann Engineering Co from 1951 - 1955. She met her husband John (Jack) Murtaugh at an Irish Dance at Immaculate Conception, Germantown and married in October 1955.  Her dear husband passed away in May 1971 at 38 years old, leaving Six children ages 4 to 14, Jack, Brian, Kevin, Maureen, Helene, and Kathleen.

    Kathleen set out to work for Meenan Oil Co.and retired after 26 years to take care of her good friend Charlie McCartin, R,I,P.

    Kathleen enjoys her 16 grandchildren, Jack, Dawn, Christopher, Nick, Mathew, Kevin, Daniel, Kelly, Brianna, Dave, Stephen, Shane, Caitlin, Morgan,Gianna, and 6 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ryan, Drew, Emilee, Ian, and Isabella. She is involved with her church as an Alter Server and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

   Kathleen's motto of "hard work never hurt anyone" has shown throughout her life! "Trust in God He never fails" is her creed!!  It is a delight to have had Kathleen an integral part of the Mayo Association and to have shared her wonderful friendship.

Congratulations Kathleen on this well deserved award for outstanding service to all!!

Maureen Brett Saxon
President, Mayo Association of Philadelphia

1998   Helen DeGrand
1999   Andrew Brown                        
2000   Joe & Kathleen Boyle            
           Pat & Ann Hynes                    
2001   Eileen D'Aangelo
2002   Tom & Attracta O'Malley