Mary Catherine Mulcahy O'Malley

Mary Kay O'Malley, 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday October 23, 2016, after a brief illness. Mary Kay was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 9, 1935, the first child of Robert J. and Mary Jo Mulcahy. She was "big sister" to Robert J. Mulcahy, Jr., who came along seven years later. Mary Kay graduated from Little Company of Mary Nursing School in 1956. She and several fellow graduates headed west along "Route 66" all the way to Los Angeles. It was there they found nursing jobs at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and Mary Kay danced on the Laurence Welk Show. Mary Kay later returned to Chicago where she worked at Little Company of Mary Hospital, eventually becoming Head Nurse of her floor. On a vacation to Florida, Mary Kay met a dashing young Marine named Art O'Malley who was also from Chicago. After a courtship that included softball games, church socials and ski trips to Boyne Mountain, Mary Kay and Art married and began a family. Bob, Cathy and Steve arrived in short order. Mary Kay left her nursing job to care for her growing brood. A few years later, Susan was born. Art's work took the family from Chicago, to Jackson, Michigan, then to Charlotte, NC and finally, Winston-Salem, NC. Mary Kay made wonderful friendships along the way through church, tennis and neighborhood activities. In Charlotte, Mary Kay was a member of the "B" tennis team at Huntingtown Farms Swim and Tennis Club, and she and Art were active members of a "Sing-Along" group. Mary Kay returned to work in 1977 at Belk Stores where she called upon her nursing skills to help fit mastectomy patients with prosthetics. Mary Kay retired from retail in 2001 so that she and Art could relocate to Decatur, GA to be near family. They were among the first residents to move into the Towne Square Condominiums in downtown Decatur. Mary Kay served on the Board of the Homeowners' Association for Towne Square and was also on the Social Committee in charge of organizing "Trim the Tree" parties at Christmas and Margarita Socials in the summer. She knew everyone in the building and frequented the Monday Night Socials with great regularity. The friendships Mary Kay made at Towne Square continued even after she moved to Sunrise of Decatur in 2014. Mary Kay was an active member and volunteer at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. She and Art were part of the "Bean Counters" who met each Monday morning to count and deposit the weekend's collections. Mary Kay volunteered with "Meals On Wheels", first with Art and then, after his passing, with her daughter Cathy. Mary Kay was also active at Sunrise, participating in activities and helping decorate for parties. She made many friends there and was beloved by residents and staff alike.

Mary Kay had a strong faith which she lived every day. She was a blessing to all who knew her. We take great comfort in knowing that she has returned home and has been reunited with Art, Bob and other loved ones who went before her. We would like to thank the staffs of Emory University Hospital, Sunrise of Decatur and Agape Hospice for their excellent care and for keeping Mary Kay comfortable and at peace during her final days.

Mary Kay is survived by her brother Robert Mulcahy and wife Linda; daughter Cathy Hasbrouck and husband Pete; son Steve O'Malley and wife Jorie; daughter Susan O'Malley; grandchildren Clare Hasbrouck, Henry Hasbrouck, Jack O'Malley and Pete O'Malley; and nieces Pam Woll and Judy Swanson and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Mary Kay's name. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, GA. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 5-8pm at A.S. Turner & Sons.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033