The Mastic Beach community mourns the loss of Catherine Elizabeth “Kitty” Hennessey, a beloved matriarch whose warmth, generosity, and devotion to faith and family left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 89, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Brooklyn to Irish immigrant parents, Kitty first experienced the charm of Mastic Beach as a summer visitor in 1944. Drawn to the area's tight-knit community and natural beauty, she and her husband, Harry Hennessey, made it their permanent home in 1968 and raised their growing family there. In 1996, they built a new home on the Forge River, where she continued to welcome friends and family with open arms.
“It wasn’t easy for her when we first came to Mastic Beach from Brooklyn in 1968. She had six kids to take care of and no car while my dad was away working on the tug boats, remembered her son, Edward Hennessey, a District Court Judge. “She provided us with a great childhood, setting an example through hard work and compassion. She was a loving mother who didn’t hesitate to give us a smack on the head when we needed it.”
“Kitty lived a long and beautiful life,” said her daughter, Mary. “Her life was not without heartache. She was strong and resilient, and she always put one foot in front of the other to move forward and embrace the living. She was not well these past few years, that was difficult to watch. She is at peace now.”
“She was the heartbeat of the family, instilling the importance of tight bonds among all of us,” said Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Mary’s husband. “Her Irish heritage was very important to her. She will be sorely missed by all.”
Kitty’s early career began with the New York Telephone Company, but her true calling was as a homemaker, caretaker, and pillar of faith in her community. A devoted Eucharistic Minister, she dedicated herself to volunteer work with hospice care and a bereavement ministry, providing comfort to those in need. She was known for opening her home and heart to many, embodying kindness and compassion in every aspect of her life.
A woman of deep faith, family, and friendship, Kitty’s presence brought light and joy to all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Kitty was predeceased by her husband, Harry; sons, Patrick and James; and grandson, Sean. She is survived by her loving children: Harry (Maryann), Edward (Joan), Catherine “Missy” (Tom), William (Joanne), John (Kim), and Mary (James). She also leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren—Siobhan, Deirdre (Jordan), Kaitlyn (Jeff), Jenna, Johnpatrick, Meaghan, Matthew (Emma), Edward, Sarah, Thomas, and Joseph—and seven great-grandchildren: Shannon, Jack, Candace, Claire, Francis, Whitney, and Carmine.
Following services at Roma Funeral Home and St. Jude’s Church, Kitty was interred at Mt. Pleasant in Center Moriches.