Catherine Ellen Gardner

Catherine Fitzsimons Gardner (May 24, 1940 - October 8, 2026)

Catherine (Kay) was born to her parents Lawrence and Mary Fitzsimons more than 80 years ago in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She lived in Hudson, Wisconsin, at the time of her passing, but earlier she and her husband, 68 years, Donald, lived in Minneapolis and in Princeton.

Kay was preceded in death by not only her parents, but by her daughter Heather and her sister Colleen. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Soltys and favorite son-in-law Danny (and only son-in-law – a running joke) as well as her son Brett. She is also survived by grandsons Shane Soltys (Brittany) and Brandon (Cassie) and great grandsons Dylan and Cody.

An unassuming, modest person, Kay did not tell many people of her famous lineage. Several generations removed, Hollywood legend Maureen O’Hara was her cousin. The two shared many features, including great personal beauty and pride in their Irish heritage.

Though raising her children remained at the top of her list, Kay did work at one time as a bookkeeper at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology and Psychology. She also had great skill in decorating and caring for her homes.

A gathering to honor her life will be held on Saturday, October 31st, 2026, in the chapel at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine Street, Hudson. A visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. to be followed by a service at noon and a luncheon to follow.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.