Kathleen Mary (Kay) Wadden (née Clooney)
May 29, 1932 to September 24, 2026
Obituary
Kathleen Mary “Kay” Wadden passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family.
Predeceased by her husband and best friend of 67 years, Patrick Joseph Wadden; her parents, William and Bridget Clooney; and her siblings, Martin Clooney (Maureen), Rosemarie Megann (Harry), and Tom Dooley (Barb).
Kay leaves to mourn her five children: Carol Ann Mallam (Carl), Patrick (Donna), Gary (Donna), Bill (Jan), and Kathy. She also leaves her 12 grandchildren: Jennie, Michael (Jess), Nicholas (Melissa), Katie (Danny), Sean, Danny (Grace), Nancy (Alicia), JP (Janet), Tommy (Katharine), Matthew (Elizabeth), Katherine (John), and Paddy (Kendall); 13 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, John Wadden; her sister-in-law, Joan Hann; her special niece, Judy Clooney; and many other nieces and nephews.
To say Kay lived a full life would be an understatement. Intelligent and formidable, she had a strength and presence that commanded respect across generations. She took pride in her appearance and was named among Newfoundland’s best-dressed women by The Daily News on multiple occasions. She remained fiercely independent, living life on her own terms.
She possessed an exceptionally sharp mind and was the undisputed keeper of the family history. If anyone needed to confirm a date, recall a forgotten memory, or trace a branch of the family tree, Kay was always the go-to person with every detail right at her fingertips.
Kay was happiest when her home was filled with people, whether at Hogan’s Pond, Silver Sands, or Rennies Mill Road. Cooking for them and making sure everyone was looked after was one of the ways she showed her love.
Love was plentiful in Kay’s life. With 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Nanny Kay went to school concerts, dance recitals, hockey games, and baseball practices. We proudly watched her show up for each new generation.
Nanny Kay, there will never be another quite like you. But a piece of you will be with us at every Sunday dinner, every trip to Hogan’s Pond and Silver Sands, and in every family member who learned from you how to make room for one more person at the table.
The family extends a special thank-you to Kay’s care teams at Tiffany Village and on 4 North B, especially her nurse Abbey, Dr. Sean Martin, Dr. Gillian Morrison, and Dr. Kim Babb, as well as her family physician, Dr. Mercedes Penton, for their exceptional care.
Visitation: Carnell’s Funeral Home, Freshwater Road
Sunday, October 4: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Monday, October 5: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Service & Burial:
Celebration of Life: Monday, October 5, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Carnell’s Chapel
Burial: Monday, October 5, 2:30 p.m. at Belvedere Cemetery, Newtown Road
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Stella’s Circle through their donation page. https://stellascircle.ca/
“Oh, I will take you back, Kathleen
To where your heart will feel no pain
And when the fields are fresh and green
I will take you to your home, Kathleen”
— From the song “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen”
Schedule
Visitations
1-4 p.m. on October 4, 2026
7-9 p.m. on October 4, 2026
10-12 p.m on October 5, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
12:00pm, Monday October 5th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Interment
2:30pm, Monday October 5th
Belvedere Cemetery, Newtown Road
I am sorry to have missed Mrs. Wadden’s send off. My sincere condolences to Kathy, and all the family on your loss. May her soul RIP.
Carol Ann and family. We were saddened to hear of your Moms passing. I remember her as a beautiful and thoughtful lady. I know you will always hold her dear in your hearts and have many wonderful memories to help you during this difficult time.
Dear Wadden Family,
My heart was with you today as you celebrated the wonderful life of Nanny Kay and lay her to rest. I wish I could have been there. She was a force and I feel so privileged to have gotten to know her. She became an important cheerleader for me, and I admired her wisdom and strength. What an incredible legacy she is leaving behind. May she rest in eternal peace.
Amanda Hancock
To the Wadden Family
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Carol Ann [Carl] and the Wadden family
Deepest conferences on your mother’s passing. We are unable to attend but thinking of you at this time. May your memories sustain you.
Don and Sarah Osmond
Carol Ann, Pat, and all of Mrs. Wadden’s family. My sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your loved one. I remember her from my working days at the bank. She was a lovely lady. Cherish your precious memories.
To the Wadden Family, I was sorry to hear about your mom’s passing as I was away when it happened. I always loved hearing her stories of mom and dad and the fun they had together. She was a beautiful , sweet soul who will be terribly missed by all who knew her . The Coyle family send on their condolences .
Condolences to all the Wadden family, your mom was truly special and will surely be missed by many.
Ed & Jill Sharpe
Pat/Bill
So sorry to hear of your mom.’s passing I never knew your mother but sounds like she had wonderfull life god bless.
Doug Winsor
Pat, Bill and families, also to Judy Mooney, please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your mother and aunt. It was only a month or more ago I had a wonderful chat with Kay while she was out with Judy for the day. It was so good to see her again. RIP Kay🙏🏻
My Sincere Condolences to Katherine, Kathy and family. She was a real sweet lady; loved serving her at my Sobeys.
Carol Ann, we are so very sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Sending sincere condolences. May your many wonderful memories provide comfort.
Karen and Brad Smith
I had the pleasure of getting to know Mrs Wadden at Tiffany Village over the past few months and enjoyed many interesting conversations with her on a wide variety of subjects from dietary requirements to her knowing my parents. She was an elegant lady who was very proud of her family’s accomplishments particularly at the recent regatta. My sincere condolences to her entire family Take comfort from each other and your many happy memories of her. RIP Kay
Condolences to all the Wadden family. I remember you all well and especially the friendship between your parents and mine, Tess and Max Martin. Whether it was Rotary, Bally Hallley, KofC or some other social event in and around St. John’s there are great memories.
To the family, So sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Her presence was as large as life. A very friendly and vibrant woman to have a good chat with when I encountered her. Much love to you all as your grieve yet celebrate the wonderful woman she was. She will be missed by countless people who surround fed her. God bless.
Dear Wadden Family,
I am so sad to learn that your mother has passed away. I have so many memories of her at Hogan’s Pond over the years. She was always surrounded by family and friends and feeding a cast of thousands so it seemed. No matter the numbers, there was always room for one more.I would see her more recently at Brentwood and she still had that same energy and zest for life. She loved her family and celebrated the accomplishments of each and every one of you. I know you will miss her terribly.
I am sorry I won’t be able to pay my respects personally as I am out of town but please know that I am thinking of you all.
Eileen MacNab
Kathy and family, so sorry for the loss of your mom. Ninety-four years is a beautiful life and a wonderful legacy of love and memories. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Sending my sincere condolences to the Wadden family. In the short time I got to know her ,it was inspiring to chat with her . I was so impressed with her zest for life . She was so proud of her family and celebrated their successes, as recently as the regatta. She could write the book on how to live life! Rest easy Mrs Wadden .
Very sorry for your loss, Tracey Cooper and family
So sorry for your loss, I know she was very special to you and family. Condolences to you and family.
So sorry to see that your loving Mom passed away. She and Mom (Shirley Gosse Rose) were great friends at Brentwood where bridge was a bonding time.
Sincerely
Pam MacDonald
Patrick I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Keep in mind that she is in a much better place and keeping a watchful eye over your entire family . May God bless you and yours . You and yours will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Philip
Carol Anne, Pat and all the Wadden family,
Sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mother.
So sad to hear of Mrs. Waddens passing. It feels like she was the last of our parents generation who gladly watched us play every sport known to mankind. Those were the days and Kay was in the middle of it all. She loved a crowd and had a smile ( and a story) for all who had the pleasure of her company. Certainly the end of an era. Condolences to the Wadden family.
Dean MacDonald
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to all the Wadden family on the passing of your mom. She was an amazing lady and the lynchpin and glue to this wonderful family.
Godspeed Kay, “Skipper” is awaiting your arrival.
Wally & Ella Reardon
To all the Wadden family, Gerry and I send our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. While I didn’t see her much once she moved from the family home, I was always amazed that she still knew who I was when I did run into her…a neighbour from Rennies Mill Rd.
We wish you comfort through all of your wonderful memories of a great lady.
Gerry and Lynn Wade
Kathy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother.
I know you were very close and your time with her was precious and will help you during this difficult time.
Sending our deepest condolences to you all . Your mom was an amazing lady . She was great friends with our parents., and especially Libby Hiscock xo . Your mom was always so gracious and had such a beautiful way about her.
She always took the time to chat whenever we ran into her. Hold close lots of wonderful memories.
Thinking of you all
Craig Hiscock and Brenda O’Regan-Hiscock
To the family sorry for your loss, keep your memories you have of her as you go through this difficult time .
My Sincere Condolences to the Wadden Family on the passing of your Mom, she was a beautiful lady, always a pleasure to chat with her when she came into Sharpe’s Store. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, all Gods Blessings RIP Kay. ❤️🙏
Carol Anne, Pat, Gary, Bill and Cathy. So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was always fun.
So sorry to hear about Kay’s Death. She was a wonderful person. I recall having many conversations at the dining room at Tiffany village over the last year with her. She really had a Great sense of humor and would love to tell me a story about something that happened to her that day. To all the Wadden family I send my thoughts during this period and I would like to say she was a Remarkable person and truly valued!
Take Care
Keith Casey
Thailand
Carol Anne,, Patrick (My Godson),, Gary, Bill, Kathy:
Your Mom was a very special Lady to me and Mom, Aunt Kitty when we needed her – She and your Dad (Pat, my Brother, ) were always there for us, especially when Dad died (Fred J. Wadden, Sr.) just 3 days after Pat & Kay got married on July 16th. 1953.
Rest in Peace Kay !!!!!
Love, Joan (your Sister-in-Law).
(I’m only sorry that I can’t attend Funeral Service).
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Kay. I will always remember visiting Aunt Kay and Uncle Pat, in my younger days, when I visited St. John’s.
My sincere condolences to all the Wadden family!
To the entire Wadden family….
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Hope the memories of her bring you some comfort.
Take Care
Our condolences to Kay’s family. I remember Kay and Pat and all the children when they had a summer home next door to us in Holyrood.
Many ball games in the garden, small stakes poker with my dad and hundreds of great conversations in our kitchen.
What a lovely lady and grand gentleman they were.
Walter and Lynn Quinlan
Sincere condolences on your loss. Thinking of you all.
Our condolences to an amazing woman who can rest in peace knowing she raised an amazing family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You must be very proud of your mom, grand mother and great grand mother
To the Wadden family. I send my sincere condolences to each and every one of you. You see, Mommie Kay would drive all the students from the neighbour to and from our school on the Boulevards. The school was called Winterton. . Mommie Kay would always have the children laughing during the drive to and from school. Sometimes she would take us on little excursions which would have us all laughing. We all had such respect and love for her.
May her gentle sould rest in peace and perhaps she is now driving the angels around in heaven.
So very very sorry for the loss of your mom . Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time .❤️
To the Wadden family,
My deepest sympathies on your great loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady, and has left a marvellous legacy.
PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS TO THE WADDEN FAMILY .
My condolences to the entire Wadden family. Nanny Kay was always so kind to me. I am sorry I cannot be there in person, but I am thinking of you all.
Condolences to family Always enjoyed her and Pat at Brentwood and memories of tennis in the country.A long life lived fully Tony
To Carol Ann, Pat, Gary, Bill , Cathy and all grandchildren and great grandchildren, I send my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear Mom. May Mrs. Wadden rest in peace.
Carol Ann, Carl., Matt, and Nick,,
Bill and I are sad to hear of this great loss to you and all of the Wadden Family. We are thinking of all of you.
Carol Ann, Carl., Matt, and Nick,,
Bill and I are sad to hear of this great loss to you and all of the Wadden Family. We are thinking of all of you.
The Hann Family
Condolences on the passing of Mrs Wadden ,Hold on tight to the wonderfull memories may she rest in peace .
To all the Wadden family, we send our sincere condolences on the loss of your mom . and to the younger generations your Nanny Kay..Take care and treasure the memories of all the special times you shared together.
Jim and Margaret Ann Beehan
To the family of Mrs Wadden. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during your time of sorrow.
Carol Anne and family, sending condolences as you navigate through this loss.
Carol Anne and the entire family, we are sending condolences to you as you get through this difficult time. Deepest sympathy from all of us at Tony’s Tailor Shop.
Wadden Family , Please accept our sincere Condolences .
on the passing of Mrs Wadden.
Scott and Darlene Gordon
Calgary
My sympathies to the family as you all say good bye to a wonderful woman who had a huge positive impact on each of you – and many others (including me) in our broader community. She was a welcoming lady who made the family home a happy place for all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Wadden family on the passing of your mom. As you grieve during this time take comfort in your memories of a tremendous life lived to the fullest. Reunited with “The Skipper”
Our thoughts are with you.
Bruce and Dawn
Carol Anne and family,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I hope the great memories that you have will sustain you during this difficult time.nit is never easy to lose a loved one especially your mom.
Cynthia Cleary
I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of my dear Aunt Kay. It’s hard to find the right words when someone we love is no longer with us. I will always cherish the memories we shared and the love she brought into the Wadden family.
She will be missed more than words can express, but her memory will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know and love her. May she rest peacefully, and may you find comfort in the love and memories that will always remain.
Love Allison
To the Wadden family, we are very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
To the Wadden family:
We are so very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother.
It was always a pleasure to connect with Kay. She was so proud of her family and we know you will miss her very much.
It is so sad to watch her generation pass. So many good stories and history pass too.
May all of your wonderful memories comfort you in the days to come.
Thinking of you with much sympathy
Jim & Judy Chisholm
Carol Ann and family,
So very sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. I have known Kay and your dad since I was a child when Kay lived on William Street. They would take me for a drive in the country on Sunday afternoons. So many fond memories. Our deepest condolences to everyone. She will be missed.
I am so sorry for this loss to all who loved Kay and she was easy to love. Kind, gracious and generous, she was a model to the very fine family that she raised. This branch of the Wadden family grieves the loss of this important matriarch and standard bearer. Bon courage to all in the days ahead. Live as she lived. A proud legacy.
I am so sorry for this loss to all who loved Kay and she was easy to love. Kind, gracious and generous, she was a model to the very fine family that she raised. This branch of the Wadden family grieves the loss of this important matriarch and standard bearer. Bon courage to all in the days ahead. Live as she lived. A proud legacy.
A Grand Old Lady for sure. I have great memories of Mrs Wadden over the years of knowing the Wadden Family and being in her presence. One special dinner in St. Pete’s will remain forever.
Condolences to all the Cla.. ❤️
Hi Carol Ann – So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts over the coming days as you reflect on your Mom’s wonderful life and legacy. Chris and Debbie Collins
My sincere condolences to the entire Wadden family and their families on Mrs. Wadden’s passing. May she rest in eternal peace.
My condolences to the Wadden family.
Our deepest sympathy
Pat,Bill,and all the Wadden family my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the sad news of your adorable mother’s passing. An amazing lady that I had the fortune to be in her presence many times over the years. The many years that at the summer’s annual SDM invitations at your mom and dad’s Hogan’s Pond residence she would be that beautiful lady as the hostess who perfectly made her chocolate coated strawberries supposedly made just for me as she secretly told me. Skipper Pat as I called him would say she had me spoiled. Every time she was in my store she would find me and that beautiful smile and presence would make my day. What a truly and deserving patriarch of the Wadden family. I know you always will remember the happy times in her life and so you should. She was and will be remembered in my life as ONE of a kind. RIP Mrs. Wadden Fly with the angels.
Kathy, and all the Wadden family. So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. You will all miss her very much.
Pat, Kathy and all the Wadden family
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. She was truely loved and I know you will miss her dearly.
“A life well lived”
Sincerely
Margaret Hand
To Sean, Katie, Nancy, Mrs. Mallam, Nick and all the Wadden family: I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Wadden’s passing. Just to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I have fond memories of you from my time at St. Pius X.
Sincerely,
Basil Ryan
Bill Gary , Pat and Wadden Family my sincere condolences on your Mom’s passing .I remember meeting her during my minor hockey days , she was such an elligant and friendly lady who left a lasting impression as did Mr. Wadden.. God Bless her and cherish her memory.
RIP Mrs. Wadden
Jan & Bill, and Family.
So sorry for the loss of your Mom Bill
& Jan for your Mother in law , you were a great Daughter in law.
Sincere condolences to you all
Oh my Carol ann Im so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Condolences to you and the family .
Oh my Carol ann Im so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Condolences to you and the family .
My deepest condolences on the loss of Aunt Kay. She was truly a beautiful person and loved her family beyond. I have only fond memories with all the spreads Aunt Kay would have for all the family and always loved seeing her. Thinking of all of you and love you. Hold onto the special memories as you move through this difficult time. Sincerely, Christina (Tina) Hann
So sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. No doubt she will always be in your hearts. Even back 30 yesrs ago in Florida Kay was alwsys going to the post office with a gift for one of the grandkids. She adored all
If you and she was one of the greatest grandmas that I ever met. My heart goes out to you on your loss .She will be missed.
Carol Ann, Patrick, Gary, bill and Kathy, spouses and everyone in the clan, I want offer my sincerest condolences. Brian informed me today of your mums passing , my heart is with you! I shall lift your mom up as my intention in my rosary tonight. I would say she was “the matriarch” of the family was always lovely and gracious to me! As a young girl at Pius tenth I believed she was a movie star!!! She had a poised stature about her, eloquent manner and a charm that was even more sophisticated than “The southern belle” the wadden clan and OGrady clan have been connected for decades! She is her hubby and sitting at the crown! God bless you all at this time of grief and be gentle with your selves in grieving how fits for you! Respectfully Luanne O’Grady