Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 2, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Kathleen Angela McPhilliamy, known to her friends as “Kaky,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025. She was 91. 

Born on February 18, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri, Kathleen spent most of her life in the city she dearly loved.  She was the daughter of Cyril Byron Brown and Marian Burke Brown.

Kathleen lived a life defined by boundless love, warmth, and joy.  Born and raised in Missouri, she discovered her passion for words at a young age- a passion she pursued at Avila college, where she earned degrees in English Literature and French.  Her curiosity and sense of adventure led her to teach in Orleans, France, and Stuttgart, Germany, touching young lives with her patience, humor, and wisdom. 

Upon her return, fate brought her to Jim McPhilliamy, their meeting at a lively Rockhurst College event blossomed into a love story.  Together, they built a life filled with travel, laughter, tennis matches, and warm hospitality.  Those who knew Kathleen remember her for her sharp wit and the mischievous sparkle in her eye-her jokes often took you by surprise, but always left you laughing.  She embraced everyone she met, always able to see past flaws to reveal the goodness within.  To her, every person was a treasure waiting to be discovered. 

A fierce and elegant competitor, Kathleen was a well-known tennis player in the Kansas City area, winning numerous women’s singles titles.  She was also an active member of the local French club and a beloved supporter of her alma mater, Avila College, where she remained involved for years as a member of the Friends of the Library and as a cherished friend of the church.

Later in life, Kathleen and Jim moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to be close to family and the mountains they came to love.  After a decade in Steamboat, they relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to remain near loved ones.

Kathleen’s greatest joy was her family.  She is survived by her three children, Jim (Kelly), Steve (Ingrid), and Kathleen (Tim Walsh) and by her adored grandchildren, Connor, Keira, Cassia, Giselle, Ewan, James (J.P.), and Jack.  Her grandchildren were her heart and soul.  She celebrated every detail of their lives and shared their stories with joy and pride.  She was preceded in death by her three sisters, Mary Patricia, Geraldine, and Ramona.

Kathleen lived her life with love, kindness, humor, and spirit.  She found the best in people, remained curious and engaged in the world, and brought joy to every room she entered.  In her later years, Kathleen faced memory challenges with astonishing grace and dignity.  Remarkably, she remained deeply independent and active, often seen walking with her cane.  To those around her, the cane was less a necessity and more a gentle, humorous reminder of her pride and stubborn spirit. Even when her memory slipped, her kindness and spark endured. 

A Funeral Mass will be held in celebration of Kathleen’s life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in the chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.

She was deeply cherished and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.